New 5G fixed-wireless internet services are proving to be a capable alternative to traditional cable and fiber, as evidenced by 5G’s excellent ratings in our 2023 customer satisfaction survey. But how does 5G fixed-wireless stack up when it comes to gaming?
Online gaming is the ultimate internet service test. For a good experience, gamers need a fast, stable, and responsive internet connection, and we’re happy to report that 5G delivers. In fact, many 5G home internet services come with perks that could make it preferable to other internet types for gaming in particular.
Keep the speed. Ditch the cables and tech appointments.
Enter your zip code to see fixed-wireless internet providers in your area.What gamers need out of their internet service
Gamers need three things above all else out of their internet connection: low latency, a reliable connection, and a good amount of data. Notice that internet speed doesn’t make the list (although 5G is fast). Gaming doesn’t take a lot of bandwidth, which are the numbers marketed to you as internet speed. It’s the more microscopic aspects of the internet connection that play a big role for gamers: how long it takes for a key press to register, how consistent the connection is over time, etc.
5G home internet and latency
Online gaming is particularly time-sensitive, making latency the most crucial internet spec for gamers. Measured in milliseconds (ms), latency is the amount of time it takes your computer to receive a response after sending out an internet signal, such as a mouse click or key press.
If you’re gaming on a connection with bad or “high” latency, you’ll experience a delay between your key presses and mouse clicks, and when you see those actions materialize in the game—this delay is known as lag. For a quality experience, gamers need an internet connection with low enough latency that this delay is either imperceptible or small enough that it doesn’t affect their performance.
Based on ISP reporting, our testing, and customer reviews and ratings, 5G fixed-wireless internet is capable of providing buttery smooth gaming experiences as a low-latency internet service. With latency measurements, the lower the better, but most gamers are comfortable with anything at 100ms and under.
T-Mobile reports very low estimated latency between 19–39ms, and Verizon estimates its 5G fixed-wireless latency to be below 30ms. This syncs up with our T-Mobile 5G Home Internet test, where we saw average latency measurements of about 18ms and an average of 3.5ms of latency jitter. Cable and fiber internet can get even lower latency readings, but all these numbers are so low that you wouldn’t notice the difference.
Test your internet speed and latency
Download Speed
Upload Speed
Latency (ping)
Get Our Speed Test App
Provider
-
IP Address
3.138.175.180
Server location
-
Your Test History
Our free speed test app will keep track of your test history plus troubleshoot your internet speed issues. Download it now to get started!
| Date | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Latency (Ping) |
|---|
Data caps on 5G Home Internet
Gamers should also pay attention to their plan’s data cap, which limits how much data they can download from the internet. Most popular video games are huge files, sometimes reaching over 100GB in size. And there’s the updates, which often happen automatically and can eat up just as much data. Going over your data cap is not fun. Usually, you’ll get hit with fees that compound the more you go over; some ISPs may even cut off your internet service completely.
New internet services attract customers by offering great perks, and this is the stage many 5G fixed-wireless services are in right now. For the two biggest 5G fixed-wireless ISPs in the US (T-Mobile and Verizon) one of those great perks is unlimited data. For gamers, this means not having to think twice before downloading games and updates.
How reliable is 5G home internet?
Spotty internet and gaming don’t mix. Depending on the game, sessions can last an hour or even longer, and any interruption in service can result in being dropped from the game. Gamers need a consistently reliable internet service to avoid these frustrating interruptions.
One of my biggest reservations when 5G home internet started to hit the market was its reliability. If it runs on a cell tower internet signal, does the service drop in and out like cell service? Thankfully, no, it doesn’t.
With your cell phone, you’re moving around all the time, causing your internet service to deal with constant changes in reception and signal obstructions. A 5G fixed-wireless gateway will stay in a single spot in your home, allowing it to maintain a more static signal strength, which helps keep the service consistent.
In fact, 5G’s wireless nature provides an advantage when it comes to reliability. If you need to improve your signal quality, all you have to do is move the gateway to a better location in your home, no cables, technician, or appointment required. And the ISPs provide app-based tools that help you find the perfect spot.
During our home test of T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet, service reliability was excellent with no extended outages and only minor sputters that you’re practically guaranteed to experience with any internet service.
We also asked 5G fixed-wireless customers how reliable their service was in our 2023 customer satisfaction survey. Not only did 5G keep up with cable and fiber, but it actually received higher reliability ratings than cable internet and fell just short of fiber’s reliability ratings. To back up 5G’s reliability even further, the nation’s primary 5G fixed-wireless ISPs, Verizon and T-Mobile, received the highest reliability ratings of all major providers.
What about speed?
Even though speed isn’t a primary concern for online gaming, it’s still important for other applications and could also help your game downloads and updates complete faster.
5G fixed-wireless has plans as fast as 1,000Mbps, so going with 5G doesn’t mean sacrificing speed. Just like any other service, you choose the speed that best fits your needs.
Best 5G fixed-wireless internet for gaming
T-Mobile and Verizon are the top 5G fixed-wireless internet providers in the US, according to the 7,000+ internet customers we surveyed this year. Both have excellent coverage throughout the continental US and deliver fast and reliable 5G home internet suitable for online gaming. But which should you choose?
If you want the best deal, go with T-Mobile, which offers one straightforward internet plan that provides everything you need for a flat $50 per month: fast speeds, a free internet gateway rental, and unlimited data are all included. Plus, the setup is extremely quick and easy; during our T-Mobile home test the entire process took about 15 minutes.
Verizon offers faster speeds and more variety, but its plans are more expensive. With Verizon, you still get unlimited data and a free rental gateway, though the installation can be a bit more work.
| Package | Price | Speed | Perks | View on ISP site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | $40.00-$60.00/mo.† | Up to 245Mbps | Unlimited data Free equipment rental Easy setup | View Plan |
| Verizon | $50–$70.00/mo.* | Up to 1,000Mbps | Unlimited data Free equipment rental | Shop Plans |
† w/ Auto Pay. Regulatory fees included in monthly price for qualified accounts. See full terms.
* w/ Auto Pay. Available in select areas.
Every gamer has experienced the woes of lag. You’ve got victory in the crosshairs and are about to unleash your game-winning moves; but just as you plunge down those decisive button presses, your screen bugs out in a scramble of jittery mayhem. You miss a shot that even the greenest of newbs couldn’t excuse away and lose the game. Awesome. Your connection stabilizes in time to hear a barrage of dismay from your teammates.
Latency sucks, and, unfortunately, you can’t eliminate it altogether. But with a top-notch internet connection and a little optimization, you can severely mitigate how often latency affects your gaming.
The most effective route is to upgrade to a fiber internet connection. No internet type is perfect, but fiber comes close as the fastest and most reliable internet connection you can get.
Find fiber internet providers.
Enter your zip code to immediately see what ISPs are in your area.
Lower latency
When discussing internet speed, it’s common to focus on bandwidth: the amount of data you can download per second. The speeds you see when you sign up for an internet plan are bandwidth speeds. But latency has the most impact on your gaming experience. Spoiler alert: fiber internet has the lowest average latency.
Latency (measured in milliseconds) is how long it takes data to travel from your computer to a server (such as a gaming server) and back. When gaming, latency affects how responsive your controls feel. If your latency is really bad, you’ll start noticing glitches and time sync issues, making it impossible to perform well.
In fact, low latency is so important that most multiplayer games include a ping reading on their scoreboards, which is a latency test to see how well your internet connection is performing in-game.
How bad is your latency?
Use our internet speed test to get a read on your internet connection’s latency and speeds.
Download speed
000 Mbps
Upload speed
000 Mbps
Latency (ping)
00 ms
Jitter
00 ms
Jitter
For silky-smooth gaming, you should also aim for low latency jitter. While latency measures how long it takes for the data to travel from one place to another, jitter represents the consistency of your latency. For example, if one command message has a latency reading of 15ms and the next has one of 150ms, that would constitute a bad jitter reading. When you have a lot of jitter, you experience the same kind of glitching and stuttering you get with high latency.
Fiber internet is best at providing low latency and low jitter. Fiber-optic cables use light pulses to transmit data, unlike cable and DSL, which use electrical signals over copper wire. Copper wire signals need more amplification and processing to cross the huge distances required when your home network transmits and receives data from the internet.
Fiber, on the other hand, is able to travel much further before requiring amplification and processing, which makes the connection faster and more stable; this translates to lower latency and jitter.
More reliable
Even worse than latency are internet drops and outages. Such occurrences mean you may spend hours in a game only to be dropped from the match as your internet connection shuts down or slows to a trickle.
Outages and slowdowns happen with every internet type and every ISP, but they happen less with fiber internet. Fiber-optic internet networks not only tend to be newer than cable or DSL networks, but there’s less processing required, which makes fiber networks more robust overall. We even found evidence of fiber’s higher reliability in our latest customer satisfaction survey, where a majority of fiber customers (73%) reported “never” or “rarely” experiencing internet outages compared to cable (53%) and DSL (49%).
More bandwidth (i.e. faster speeds)
Fiber also beats traditional internet speeds, which are often referred to as bandwidth and are measured in megabytes per second (Mbps). Almost all fiber ISPs offer at least gig speeds, and many offer multi-gig speeds.
High bandwidth isn’t a must-have for online gaming. Multiplayer games take up a very small amount of data per second—even just 5Mbps is usually more than enough. But a lot of games are delivered digitally, so you’ll have to download huge game files. Even after you download the game, most multiplayer titles often have large required updates as well. Fiber’s high speeds can make those downloads and updates go a lot quicker, which means less waiting and more gaming.
Twitch streaming and symmetrical speeds
If you stream or broadcast your gaming, you’ll definitely want fiber internet’s superior upload speeds. The internet speed numbers you see when signing up for an internet plan are the plan’s download speeds, which dictate how fast your network receives data from the internet. But certain activities, such as broadcasting a gaming stream, require more upload bandwidth.
Fiber internet has symmetrical speeds, meaning the upload speed is just as fast as the download speed. With other services, such as cable and DSL, upload speeds are much slower, usually only a small fraction of the download speeds.
How to find a fiber internet provider
It can get tricky to find all the internet providers in your area. A quick internet search often leads to sponsored results that may leave out that perfect ISP for your needs. Our zip code search tool helps you find all your local internet providers immediately. Give it a spin to find out if any fiber providers service your area.
What if there are no fiber providers in my area?
Because it requires significant infrastructure investments, many areas still don’t have access to fiber internet. Fiber optic internet is the best option for serious gamers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a good gaming experience from a different type of service.
If you can’t get fiber, we recommend going with cable or 5G fixed-wireless internet, which are both capable of delivering low-latency and high-bandwidth internet connections. They are also more widely available, so there’s a very good chance you have access to one, if not both.
How to optimize your internet connection for gaming
Aside from improving your internet connection, here are a few quick changes you can make to your home network that can have a huge impact on your gaming sessions.
1. Use an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi
A wired Ethernet connection is a lot more stable than Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi uses radio waves to broadcast internet signals throughout your home, which are susceptible to interference from different materials, electronic devices, and other Wi-Fi networks. This is often the cause of a jittery and glitchy gaming experience.
Using an Ethernet cable to hardwire your router directly to your computer or gaming console mitigates lag and jitter by limiting signal interference. See our guide on connecting to your network using an Ethernet cable if you’re not sure how to do this.
2. Prioritize your gaming PC or console in your router’s settings
Many routers allow you to prioritize certain devices over others. Once set, your chosen device, like your gaming machine, will get your precious bandwidth ahead of anything else. The setting is called Quality of Service (QoS), though it may appear differently in different routers. If you need help with this, check our router settings guide.
3. Don’t use a Wi-Fi extender
Sometimes you can’t avoid using Wi-Fi for your gaming, but take extra care to avoid multiplayer gaming over a Wi-Fi extender. Most Wi-Fi extenders are technically Wi-Fi repeaters, which essentially copy the signal from your router and rebroadcast it. This doubles your latency, and likely negatively impacts your network jitter level. If you’re going to game over Wi-Fi, try to connect to the router directly.
FAQ
What’s the best type of internet connection for gaming?
Fiber internet is the best type of internet connection for gaming due to its low latency, jitter, and high bandwidth. Find fiber internet providers using our zip code search tool below.
Why is a fiber internet connection better than cable or DSL?
Fiber internet has faster speeds, is more reliable, and more stable than cable or DSL internet. Fiber achieves lower latency due to fiber-optic signals requiring less amplification and processing compared to cable and DSL internet signals that travel over copper wires.
-
Best overall
- Lowest latency
- Expensive gigabit plan
- Avg. latency: 12.7 ms
- Max advertised speeds: 2,000 Mbps
- Prices: $39.99–$119.99/mo.
-
Best for availability
- Wide availability
- Price hikes
- Avg. latency: 32 ms
- Max advertised speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary)
- Prices: $49.99–$89.99/mo. for 12 mos.
-
Best for cable speed
- Fastest cable plan
- 1.2 TB data cap
- Avg. latency: 23.5 ms
- Max advertised speeds: 6,000 Mbps
- Prices: $30.00–$299.95/mo.
-
Best for price
- Affordable fiber
- Limited availability
- Avg. latency: 25.3 ms
- Max advertised speeds: 5,000 Mbps
- Prices: $55.00–$180.00/mo.
-
Best for fiber speed
- Fastest fiber speeds
- Limited availability
- Avg. latency: 27.4 ms
- Max advertised speeds: 2,000 Mbps
- Prices: $70.00–$100.00/mo.
Data effective 1/21/2022. Data taken from internet user results conducted on HighSpeedInternet.com’s speed test between October 1, 2020, to October 1, 2021. Not all speeds and packages available in all areas and are subject to change.
Our pick: Which internet service is best for gaming?
The best internet service for gaming is Verizon Fios. It uses fiber to deliver connections with the lowest average latency according to our tests. It also has the second-best average upload and download speeds.
If you don’t have access to fiber, your next best option is cable internet through Spectrum or Xfinity. Spectrum has the widest availability and no modem fees, while Xfinity offers the fastest cable speed in the nation.
Do you have the best internet service or plan for gaming online?
There’s nothing more frustrating than a slow, unreliable internet connection. Enter your zip code to find a game-changing upgrade in your area.
The 10 best internet providers for gaming
- Best overall: Verizon Fios
- Best for availability: Spectrum
- Best for cable speed: Xfinity
- Best for price: AT&T
- Best for fiber speed: Google Fiber
- Best for customer service: Cox
- Best for rural gamers: Optimum
- Best for the Midwest: MetroNet
- Beest for cable latency: Astound Broadband
- Best for budgets: Sparklight
Best internet for gaming
| Provider | Average latency | Max advertised speed | Price | Get connected | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | | 12.7 ms | 2,000 Mbps | $39.99–$119.99/mo.§ | |
| Best for availability |
| 32.4 ms | Up to 1,000 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | $49.99–$89.99/mo.** | |
| Best for cable speed |
| 23.5 ms | 6,000 Mbps | $25.00–$299.95/mo.‡‡ | |
| Best for price | | 25.3 ms | 5,000 Mbps† | $55.00–$180.00/mo.* | |
| Best for fiber speed |
| 27.4 ms | 2,000 Mbps | $70.00–$100.00/mo.## | View Plans for Google Fiber |
| Best for customer service |
| 30.2 ms | Up to 1,000 Mbps | $49.99–$99.99/mo.# | |
| Best for rural gamers |
| 33.2 ms | 5,000 Mbps | $30.00–$165.00/mo.†† | |
| Best for the Midwest |
| 25.4 ms | 1,000 Mbps | $39.95–$69.95/mo.+ | |
| Best for cable latency |  | 19.5 ms | 940 Mbps | $19.95–$49.99/mo.++ | |
| Best for budgets | 39.0 ms | 1,000 Mbps | $39.00–$125.00/mo.‡ |
Data as of 8/2/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
* Plus taxes. Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies.
† Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. 1GIG speeds avail. to new customers with the latest router (“BGW320”) and recommended setup. For 5 GIG speed, single device wired speed maximum 4.7 Gbps. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factors and are not guaranteed. For more information, go to www.att.com/speed101.
** For the first 12 months.
# for the first 12 months with a 1-year agreement
## Plus taxes and fees. Service not available in all areas.
+ Plus taxes and fees.
++ For the first 12 months.
†† for 1 yr. Plus taxes, fees, and other charges. Includes Auto Pay and Paperless Billing.
§ with autopay and taxes and equipment charges
‡ Equipment, taxes, surcharges and fees are not included in above rate.
‡‡ for the first 12 mos. with a 1-year agreement
Provider comparisons at a glance
| Service | Unlimited data | 20 ms latency or lower | Fast uploads | Wide Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | ✓ | ✓ | ✘ | ✘ |
| | ✓ | ✘ | ✓ | ✓ |
|
| ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
|
| ✓ | ✘ | ✓ | ✘ |
|
| ✓ | ✘ | ✓ | ✘ |
| ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | |
|
| ✓ | ✘ | ✘ | ✓ |
|
| ✓ | ✘ | ✓ | ✘ |
| | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
|
| ✓ | ✘ | ✘ | ✓ |
What should you look for in the best internet for gaming?
You need an internet service that doesn’t add to your overall latency. The connection to your internet provider’s network should be quick, so the only real latency issues are between your provider and the remote server.
That said, you should shop for a fiber internet service first. Fiber transmits data more efficiently than cable or DSL. Plus, fiber supports symmetrical speeds, which is essential for livestreamers who broadcast gameplay to Twitch and Facebook Gaming.
Upload speeds should take priority over download speeds too. You don’t want your gameplay input dragging along at a snail’s pace as it travels to the gaming server.
How much speed do you really need for gaming?
Believe it or not, you don’t need superfast download speeds to play games online. We show you exactly what you need for gaming networks, game streaming services, and livestreaming in our guide to internet speeds for gaming.
Best overall—Verizon Fios
$39.99–$119.99/mo.
Specs:
- Connection type: Fiber
- Maximum advertised speed: 2,000 Mbps
- Average latency: 12.7 ms
- Data cap: No
- States covered: 11
Verizon Fios has the best average latency, which is exactly what you want. Verizon’s internal network won’t bottleneck your connection, unlike others on our list. The only other provider that comes close to Verizon Fios is Astound Broadband.
Verizon offers six fiber plans in all, and all of them have symmetrical speeds. You can get the Internet 300/300 plan and have identical upload and download speeds of up to 300 Mbps, so there’s no real worry about latency due to upload speeds. Cable internet can’t promise the same peace of mind.
The drawback is that Verizon Fios doesn’t go beyond 2,000 Mbps, unlike Xfinity and AT&T. On the flip side, Verizon has a larger fiber footprint than AT&T: 65% of its service area has fiber whereas AT&T’s fiber covers 31% of its service areas.
If you want fiber for internet gaming or livestreaming, Verizon Fios is an excellent choice.
Verizon Fios plans and pricing
| Package | Price | Max download | Max upload | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet 200/200 | $49.99/mo.* | Up to 200 Mbps | Up to 200 Mbps | |
| Internet 300/300 | $49.99/mo.* | Up to 300 Mbps | Up to 300 Mbps | |
| Internet 400/400 | $69.99/mo.* | Up to 400 Mbps | Up to 400 Mbps | |
| Internet 500/500 | $69.99/mo.* | Up to 500 Mbps | Up to 500 Mbps | |
| Internet 1 Gig | $89.99/mo.† | Up to 940 Mbps | Up to 880 Mbps | |
| Internet 2 Gig | $119.99/mo.‡ | Up to 2,048 Mbps | Up to 2,048 Mbps |
Data as of 8/2/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
* w/ Auto Pay + taxes & equip. charges.
† w/ Auto Pay.
‡ /mo. with Auto Pay & without select 5G mobile plans. Fios plan prices include taxes & fees
Best availability—Spectrum
$49.99–$89.99/mo.
Specs:
- Connection type: Cable
- Maximum advertised speed: 1,000 Mbps
- Average latency: 32.4 ms
- Data cap: No
- States covered: 42
Spectrum has the widest availability of all the internet providers on our list, covering 38.3% of the US. It delivers cable internet and streamlines your selections to just three plans. There’s a plan for low-income households too, but it’s not ideal for online gaming.
The big selling point for Spectrum is that it doesn’t have a data cap. Its biggest competitor, Xfinity, limits your data allowance to 1.2 TB per month and charges an additional $30 a month for unlimited data. Spectrum doesn’t do that, which is vital, given that game files and updates shoot up into gigabytes.
Spectrum also doesn’t have a monthly modem rental fee, but you will be charged a monthly WiFi access fee unless you install a store-bought gaming router. If you want Spectrum’s gigabit plan, you’ll need to pay a one-time $199 setup fee.
Overall. Spectrum’s cable internet service is your best bet for competitive gaming online if fiber isn’t available in your area. You can’t go wrong with the Spectrum Internet® and Spectrum Internet® Ultra plans.
Spectrum plans and pricing
| Package | Price | Max download | Max upload | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet® | $49.99/mo. for 12 mos.* | Up to 300 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | Up to 10 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | |
| Spectrum Internet® Ultra | $69.99/mo. for 12 mos.* | Up to 500 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | Up to 20 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | |
| Spectrum Internet® Gig | $89.99/mo. for 12 mos.† | Up to 1,000 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | Up to 35 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) |
Data as of 8/2/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
* Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter.
† Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum Internet® Gig promotion price is $89.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra.
Best for cable speed—Xfinity
$20.00–$299.99/mo.
Specs:
- Connection type: Cable, fiber
- Maximum advertised speed: 6,000 Mbps
- Average latency: 23.5 ms
- Data cap: Yes
- States covered: 40
Xfinity is the third-largest internet provider, covering 34.2% of the US. That gives it the upper hand over Astound Broadband, another cable internet provider with better latency but a smaller footprint. Spectrum is Xfinity’s biggest competitor and has a slightly higher latency.
Xfinity’s cable internet plans reach up to 1,200 Mbps in download speed and up to 35 Mbps in upload speed. Xfinity offers a fiber plan too, but it’s so scarce that just .02% of the company’s entire network has access. Plus, it’s expensive and comes with high installation fees. We don’t recommend this plan even though we prefer fiber over cable.
The big drawback with Xfinity is its 1.2 TB data cap—it’s one of seven that limit your data each month. That can be problematic if you install digital games rather than physical ones. The cap can also be a burden when installing updates that reach up to 100 GB and beyond. You can pay an extra $30 per month for unlimited data, but that’s an extra $360 per year.
That said, if fiber or Spectrum isn’t available in your area, Xfinity is your next best choice for gaming online.
Xfinity plans and pricing
| Package | Price | Max download | Max upload | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connect | $30.00/mo.* | Up to 75 Mbps | Up to 10 Mbps | |
| Connect More | $40.00/mo.* | Up to 200 Mbps | Up to 10 Mbps | |
| Fast | $55.00/mo.* | Up to 400 Mbps | Up to 10 Mbps | |
| Superfast | $70.00/mo.* | Up to 800 Mbps | Up to 20 Mbps | |
| Gigabit | $75.00/mo.* | Up to 1 Gbps | Up to 20 Mbps | |
| Gigabit Extra | $80.00/mo.* | 1,200 Mbps | 35 Mbps | |
| Gigabit X3 (fiber) | $299.95/mo.† | 3,000 Mbps | 3,000 Mbps |
Data as of 8/2/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
* For the first 12 months with a 1-year agreement. Taxes and equipment not included.
† With a 2-year agreement.
Best for price—AT&T
$55.00–$180.00/mo.
Specs:
- Connection type: Fiber, DSL
- Maximum advertised speed: 5,000 Mbps
- Average latency: 25.3 ms
- Data cap: No
- States covered: 21
AT&T is now the fastest big-name internet provider in the US with its new 5 Gbps plan, which, honestly, is a little overkill for home internet. A single 8K video stream will probably require at least 50 Mbps, so even a gigabit plan should handle the load easily. AT&T isn’t the fastest peddler on the block, though—there are some smaller providers with 10 Gbps plans.
As a gamer, you want AT&T’s fiber internet over its DSL service. Sure, you can game online with DSL, but you will see better speeds if you go with fiber—which translates to better latency. Surprisingly, AT&T has a lower latency average than Google Fiber, but it’s far higher than Verizon Fios (fiber), Astound Broadband (cable), and Xfinity (cable).
AT&T is one of the best high speed internet providers in terms of price. It ranked third in our annual customer satisfaction survey for customer satisfaction with pricing, behind only EarthLink and Verizon. That said, you can get AT&T’s 500 Mbps fiber plan for $65 per month, which is slightly cheaper than Spectrum’s 500 Mbps cable plan. So you can see why AT&T is our choice in the “best for price” category.
AT&T is the second-largest internet provider on our list, serving 36.5% of the US. Its fiber plans don’t have data caps, but its DSL and fixed wireless internet services do.
Overall, you should choose a fiber plan from AT&T if it’s in your area—even if Verizon Fios offers a similar service.
AT&T plans and pricing
| Package | Price | Max download | Max upload | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet | $59.99/mo.* | 25 Mbps | 1 Mbps | |
| AT&T Internet Up to 75 Mbps (DSL) | $55.00/mo.† | 75 Mbps | 8 Mbps | |
| AT&T Internet Up to 100 Mbps (DSL) | $55.00/mo.‡ | 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps | |
| AT&T Internet 100 (fiber) | $55.00/mo.‡ | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | |
| AT&T Internet 300 (fiber) | $55.00/mo.§ | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | |
| AT&T Internet 500 (fiber) | $65.00/mo.§ | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | |
| AT&T Internet 1000 (fiber) | $80.00/mo.|| | 1,000 Mbps‡ | 880 Mbps | |
| AT&T Internet 2000 (fiber) | $110.00/mo.# | 2,000 Mbps‡ | 880 Mbps | |
| AT&T Internet 5000 (fiber) | $180.00/mo.** | 5,000 Mbps‡ | 880 Mbps |
Data as of 8/2/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
* W/qualifying AT&T wireless svc. Incl 350GB data/mo., overage chrgs apply. Ltd. avail/areas in U.S.
† for 12 mos, plus taxes & equip. fee. Incl 1TB data/mo., overage chrgs apply
‡ for 12 mos, plus taxes. Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area. Call or go to att.com/internet to see if you qualify.
§ Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes & fees. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factors and are not guaranteed. For more information, go to www.att.com/speed101.
|| Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes & fees. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. 1GIG speeds avail. to new customers with the latest router (“BGW320”) and recommended setup. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factros and are not guaranteed.
# Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes & fees. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factros and are not guaranteed.
** Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes & fees. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factros and are not guaranteed. For 5GIG speed, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more information, go to www.att.com/speed101.
Best for fiber speed—Google Fiber
$70.00–$100.00/mo.
Specs:
- Connection type: Fiber
- Maximum advertised speed: 2,000 Mbps
- Average latency: 27.4 ms
- Data cap: No
- States covered: 9
View Plans for Google Fiber
Google Fiber offers some of the fastest residential fiber optic internet speeds on the planet, reaching up to 2,000 Mbps. But it’s also extremely limited in availability, covering just 1.3% of the US. Right now you can get it in 11 locations, including Atlanta, Nashville, Salt Lake City, and Kansas City.
Google Fiber’s biggest competitor is AT&T in terms of speed. Both offer similar 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps fiber-based plans, but AT&T has a larger fiber footprint and a faster 5 Gbps plan. Of the two, Google Fiber is $10 cheaper each month than AT&T, but they’re both cheaper than Xfinity’s X3 plan costing $299.95 per month for a 3 Gbps connection.
Surprisingly, Google Fiber’s average latency is more than doubled that of Verizon Fios at 27.4 ms, but you’ll see faster speeds with Google. Both Google Fiber plans lock the maximum upload speeds to 1,000 Mbps, while Verizon’s maximum is 880 Mbps. In contrast, Xfinity’s Gigabit X3 and Gigabit Pro plans reach up to 3,000 Mbps and 6,000 Mbps, respectively, in upload speeds for a hefty $299.95 per month.
We strongly recommend Google Fiber if it’s available in your area.
Google Fiber plans and pricing
| Package | Price | Max download | Max upload | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Fiber 1 Gig | $70.00/mo.* | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | View Plans for Google Fiber |
| Google Fiber 2 Gig | $100.00/mo.* | 2,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | View Plans for Google Fiber |
Data as of 8/2/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
* Terms and Conditions: Plus taxes and fees. Service not available in all areas. If you live in an apartment or condo, Google Fiber’s ability to construct and provide Fiber is subject to the continued agreement between Google Fiber and the property owner. Upload/download speed and device streaming claims are based on maximum wired speeds. Actual Internet speeds are not guaranteed and may vary based on factors such as hardware and software limitations, latency, packet loss, etc
Also recommended for gaming online
In addition to those listed above, many internet providers across the US can give you a great online gaming experience. Here’s a list with a few more recommendations and their data pulled from our proprietary testing:
| Provider | Type | Avg. latency | Max advertised speed | Get Connected | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for cable latency | | Cable, fiber | 19.5 ms | 940 Mbps | |
| Best for the Midwest |
| Fiber | 25.4 ms | 1,000 Mbps | |
| Best for customer service |
| Cable | 30.2 ms | Up to 1,000 Mbps | |
| Best for rural gamers |
| Cable, fiber | 33.2 ms | 5,000 Mbps | |
| Best for budgets | Cable | 39.0 ms | 1,000 Mbps |
Data as of 8/2/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
What makes an internet connection good for gaming online?
A good internet connection doesn’t add latency between you and the remote gaming server. It provides decent upload speeds to keep latency low and stable, reliable connectivity to prevent other players from suddenly appearing in your face. Your monthly data allowance also plays an important role in downloading digital games and their associated multi-gig updates.
Connection type
Fiber is the best internet connection for gaming. It sends light pulses along glass fibers versus piggybacking your data on radio waves like cable and DSL. Fiber’s light pulses are interpreted like Morse code, so there’s no modem involved unless the fiber service stops at a utility pole.
That said, fiber is faster than cable and DSL, plus it supports symmetrical speeds that match your upload speeds to your downloads. Cable and DSL internet do not support symmetrical speeds, so we’ll always suggest fiber to gamers who livestream to Twitch and similar services.
Cable internet is a good runner-up platform. DSL isn’t ideal unless you’re on a budget or it’s the only internet connection in your area. Avoid satellite internet altogether because the trip into space and back adds a ton of latency due to distance.
Latency
Latency is the amount of time a single piece of data uses to leave your gaming rig or console, reach the remote server, and return back to you. High latency results in delayed responses on the screen, teleporting players, and players using you as target practice while they laugh in your ear.
Every internet connection will have some latency because it takes time for your data to travel. But if there’s unnecessary latency within your provider’s network, your communication with the server will be longer than usual.
Technically, latency lower than 100 ms is decent. However, our data shows the average latency between the user and the provider. We suggest that you select an internet provider with the lowest latency possible.
Should you play wired or wireless?
Wi-Fi adds latency to your connection before range even becomes a gameplay issue. A wired connection offers the best speed stability, but it isn’t as convenient as Wi-Fi. We go into more detail about the pros and cons of wired and wireless.
Upload speed
Make sure your upload speed can handle online games without causing latency. Your gaming data—including your input, position, viewpoint, and so on—needs fast transport to the gaming server or network. The latest consoles need up to 3 Mbps in upload speed, but you also have to consider that other devices use that upload bandwidth too, like smart appliances that quietly send data to remote servers.
We suggest a plan with 6 Mbps of upload speed or more so that everyone in the home has enough bandwidth without interrupting the resident gamer(s).
Download speed
You don’t need a lot of download speed to play games online. The Xbox One X/S, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch consoles each require a minimum of 3 Mbps, while the PlayStation 4 needs only 2 Mbps. Even if you wanted to stream 4K video from Apple TV while playing online, your combined download bandwidth would need to be only 27 Mbps.
In gaming, you need download speed primarily for updates and full digital game installs from Steam, Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, and so on. The more bits you can obtain in a second, the faster you can jump into the game.
For example, if your game download size is 30 GB, you can download it in 10 minutes using a 400 Mbps connection or 40 minutes using a 100 Mbps connection.
Of course, download speed is also vital if you have multiple gamers in the home playing online, installing new games, or downloading comically large updates. You can each play games online comfortably using a 100 Mbps connection, but latency will become your biggest adversary when other non-gaming services intrude on your bandwidth.
We suggest an internet connection with download speeds of at least 100 Mbps.
Data allowance
We suggest choosing a service that doesn’t have a data cap and doesn’t charge an added fee for unlimited data.
Even physical copies of a game require digital updates, and those can be pretty hefty. Not only do you receive data even if you’re just playing online, but you also send data. All that data can add up and chip away at your monthly allowance.
Our verdict
Verizon Fios is the best internet service for playing games online. It has the best latency in our tests and the second-best average upload and download speeds next to Google Fiber. AT&T is the best fiber alternative if Verizon Fios isn’t in your area, offering a wide range of speeds at an affordable price.
If you don’t have access to fiber, Spectrum has the widest availability in the US. Spectrum doesn’t have data caps, modem fees, or extra fees for unlimited data. However, Xfinity has Spectrum beat with the fastest cable internet plan, reaching 1,200 Mbps. Xfinity also has better upload and download speed averages in our tests.
But let’s get real here: any internet service other than satellite is suitable for gaming online. Fiber is ideal for livestreaming, while cable has wide availability. You can even get by with DSL if others in the home aren’t eating up all your bandwidth. Just choose a plan that’s ideal for your whole household, and you should be good to go.
How HSI ranked the best internet for gaming in the US
We provide an internet speed test used by millions of people across the US. The results are collected by our speed test for each internet provider and are averaged together every three months. We use this data to generate an integrated speed score (ISS) to compare internet providers in terms of speed—our list of the fastest internet providers is a good example.
In this case, we compared internet providers based on latency because you don’t need a lot of upload and download speed to play games online. Internet providers typically advertise their maximum speeds only, so gamers won’t know if they can get better latency with a different provider unless they switch.
By pulling the latency averages from our proprietary data, we can compare internet providers and suggest the best internet connections for gamers.
FAQ about internet for gaming
What is a good upload speed for gaming?
You should have at least 3 Mbps of upload bandwidth per device to play games online.
Microsoft suggests 0.5 Mbps while Sony reports 2 Mbps for the PlayStation 4. The suggested extra megabit or so gives your gaming devices room to breathe. However, keep in mind that other non-gaming applications also need upload bandwidth, so an internet plan with 6+ Mbps in upload speed is probably your safest bet.
What is a good download speed for gaming?
You should have at least 3 Mbps of download bandwidth per device to play games online. Microsoft and Nintendo suggest a 3 Mbps minimum, while Sony suggests 2 Mbps.
Keep in mind that you need a lot more bandwidth to stream games from Google Stadia, PlayStation Now, and other services. Google Stadia and Xbox Remote Play need a minimum download speed of 10 Mbps.
Why are the required download speeds larger than uploads?
The suggested download speeds are larger than the uploads because data sent by remote servers contain more information than what you upload. This data includes information about other player actions, player coordinates, the world state, in-game messages, and notifications.
Why is fiber the best internet for gaming?
Fiber uses light pulses to transmit data. Think of it as conveying data like Morse code—it’s quick and simple versus adding or removing a digital wave from a radio wave. There’s typically less jitter and latency with fiber than cable, plus you get the benefits of symmetrical speeds.
However, fiber only trumps cable if it’s delivered to a local utility pole or straight to your home. After all, fiber is the backbone of the internet.
| Best overall | Best for fast action | Best budget mouse |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Logitech G502 HERO High Performance Gaming Mouse | Razer DeathAdder Elite Gaming Mouse | Uhuru Wireless Gaming Mouse Rechargeable |
| $$$ | $$$ | $ |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Data effective 1/24/2020. Features and prices may vary and are subject to change.
Jump to: Which gaming mouse is best? | Gaming mice comparison | Logitech G502 Hero | Razer DeathAdder Elite | SteelSeries Rival 600 | PICTEK Gaming Mouse | UHURU WM-02 Wireless Gaming Mouse | Corsair Harpoon Pro – RGB Gaming Mouse | What to look for in a gaming mouse | Our verdict | Methodology | FAQ
Which gaming mouse is best?
Once you have a gaming laptop and the drive to compete, a good gaming mouse is one of the first purchases you’ll probably make. We had a dozen people, including several die-hard gamers, test the best-selling gaming mice to find the best performing and most comfortable devices.*
We ranked Logitech G502 HERO as number one with the Razer DeathAdder Elite coming in at a close second for shooter games. The highest priced model we tested (the SteelSeries Rival 600, which is about $70) was actually rated the lowest, which goes to show that paying top dollar doesn’t always get you the best in tech.
Some devices worked well but weren’t comfortable to use. The Corsair Harpoon Pro was rated as undersized by all testers, so we only recommend this one to kids, teens, or adults with small hands.
*Our testing relied on empirical results and didn’t test long-term durability.
Gaming mice comparison
| Model | Price* | Buttons | Optical sensitivity** | Get it | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick #1 | Logitech G502 HERO High Performance Gaming Mouse | $47.99 | 11 customizable buttons | Up to 16,000 DPI | View on Amazon |
| #2 | Razer™ DeathAdder Elite | $24.99 | 7 programmable buttons | Up to 16,000 DPI | View on Amazon |
| #3 | PICTEK Gaming Mouse | $13.99 | 8 programmable buttons | Up to 7,200 DPI | View on Amazon |
| #4 | UHURU WM-02 Wireless Gaming Mouse | $19.99 | 6 programmable buttons | Up to 4,800 DPI | View on Amazon |
| #5 | Corsair Harpoon Pro – RGB Gaming Mouse | $16.94 | 6 programmable buttons | Up to 6,000 DPI | View on Amazon |
| #6 | SteelSeries Rival 600 Gaming Mouse | $69.98 | 3 programmable side buttons | N/A | View on Amazon |
| Top Pick #1 | |
| Model | Logitech G502 HERO High Performance Gaming Mouse |
| Price* | $47.99 |
| Buttons | 11 customizable buttons |
| Optical sensitivity** | Up to 16,000 DPI |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
| #2 | |
| Model | Razer™ DeathAdder Elite |
| Price* | $24.99 |
| Buttons | 7 programmable buttons |
| Optical sensitivity** | Up to 16,000 DPI |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
| #3 | |
| Model | PICTEK Gaming Mouse |
| Price* | $13.99 |
| Buttons | 8 programmable buttons |
| Optical sensitivity** | Up to 7,200 DPI |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
| #4 | |
| Model | UHURU WM-02 Wireless Gaming Mouse |
| Price* | $19.99 |
| Buttons | 6 programmable buttons |
| Optical sensitivity** | Up to 4,800 DPI |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
| #5 | |
| Model | Corsair Harpoon Pro – RGB Gaming Mouse |
| Price* | $16.94 |
| Buttons | 6 programmable buttons |
| Optical sensitivity** | Up to 6,000 DPI |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
| #6 | |
| Model | SteelSeries Rival 600 Gaming Mouse |
| Price* | $69.98 |
| Buttons | 3 programmable side buttons |
| Optical sensitivity** | N/A |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
*Price at time of writing. Data effective 1/24/2020. Prices are subject to change.
**Sensitivity as measured in dots per inch
Logitech G502 HERO High Performance Gaming Mouse
-
11 programmable buttons
-
Braided cord
-
Tracking speed at 400 IPS (inches per second)
-
Weight: 121g–139g (adjustable)
-
Polling rate: Up to 1000 Hz
-
Price: $47.99
The Logitech G502 HERO High Performance Gaming Mouse was our favorite gaming mouse. It’s comfortable to a variety of hand sizes and performs well. It’s easy to customize details on this snappy peripheral, from lighting to weight to buttons. Plus, we found the lights to be less distracting than a lot of the flashier mice were.
The G502 has rubberized sides and a thumb ledge that help minimize hand fatigue. An attached velcro strip is handy for cord control. We ranked the G502 on par with the SteelSeries as far as in-game sensitivity, yet it comes in $20 cheaper than the SteelSeries (score!).
You can create and store up to five unique profiles using Logitech mouse software (Logitech SetPoint). This lets you save the perfect settings for each game, so you can jump in quicker without adjusting the settings.
About the only thing missing from this mouse is an ambidextrous design that works for left-handed gamers or for hand switching during long campaigns. There’s no way the thumb ledge and buttons would be remotely comfortable left handed, so we’d recommend the Logitech G903 instead for left-handed gamers.
Pros:
- Super comfy design
- Textured scroll wheel for quick weapon changes
- Great placement of 3 side buttons for intuitive gaming
Cons:
- Right-handed design that won’t work for lefties
- Moderately high price point
Razer™ DeathAdder Elite
-
Up to 16,000 DPI
-
7 programmable buttons
-
Tracking speed at 450 IPS (inches per second)
-
Weight: 105g
-
Polling rate: 125–1000 Hz
-
Price: $24.99
The cool, sleek design of the Razer DeathAdder hasn’t changed much in the past dozen years—probably because it’s so cool. If Batman had a mouse, this would be it. Designed to minimize hand fatigue during long gaming sessions, the DeathAdder has rubber grips on the sides that keep you in the game, even when your mouse catches air during heavy action. Its subtle LED lighting won’t distract you when gaming in the dark.
Esports gamers like the natural, intuitive feel of this stealthy appendage, and it has ruled the court in many battles. The DeathAdder is considered a classic and has inspired numerous knock-offs, most of which don’t come close to it in accuracy and ergonomics. The long braided cord is extremely flexible and won’t drag you down. When you’re moving the mouse around on a gaming mat, it feels almost cordless.
After playing Rainbow Six Siege with the Razer DeathAdder, our gaming tester Chloe Gawrych ranked this mouse in second place. Top features included the textured wheel that helps gamers stay in control.
This model is made for right-handed gamers, but lefties listen up: there’s one for you too. Razer DeathAdder is one of the few top gaming mice that offers a left-handed version for the same price.
Pros:
- Sleek looking design
- Excellent accuracy
- Customizable details galore using the Razer Synapse software
- Left-handed version available
Cons:
- Not designed for ambidextrous play (you can’t switch hands)
- Moderately high cost (around $45)
Looking to save a few bucks? Check out the Razer DeathAdder Essential for $29. It’s a pared-down version of the DeathAdder Elite, with a lower-grade sensor but the same ergonomics and sleek style as the pricier model.
SteelSeries Rival 600 Gaming Mouse
-
Up to 16,000 DPI
-
7 programmable buttons
-
2 sensors for advanced precision
-
Weight: 96–128g (adjustable)
-
Polling rate: 125–1000 Hz
-
Price: $69.98
Many fast-action gamers have a habit of tossing the mouse around on the pad a bit more vigorously than is strictly necessary. This often causes tracking errors. The SteelSeries Rival 600 is designed to fix this problem. It has two sensors on the underside of the mouse, which reduce jitters and errors—one to measure movement and the other to measure lift off. It takes some getting used to, but it’s a cool feature if you frequently catch air with your mouse.
The Rival 600 is the most expensive gaming mouse we reviewed ($70 to $75), but it was rated at the bottom of the pack by the majority of our testers. We didn’t like the way it fit in the hand, we thought it was difficult to customize, and it performed worse in shooter games than expected. However, it is tough and durable and won’t break easily. This is a good mouse for those who are a bit rough on their peripherals.
The Rival 600 is a right-handed design. If you like SteelSeries mice and you’re used to the double sensor, we recommend the SteelSeries Sensei 310 for lefties, which has similar features.
Pros:
- Delivers precision movement at high speeds
- Gives satisfying clicks and auditory feedback
- Offers a comfortable ergonomic design
Cons:
- Has a high cost (about $70)
- Requires a larger mousepad for best results
PICTEK Gaming Mouse
-
Up to 10,000 DPI
-
8 programmable buttons
-
Tracking speed: Unavailable
-
Polling rate: 125–1000Hz
-
Weight: 6.4 ounces
-
Price: $13.99
The PICTEK High-Precision Gaming Mouse is made for the PC gamer who likes to play shooter, strategy, and role-playing games (RPGs). The PICTEK is inexpensive (less than $20) and includes some features that you don’t usually get with a budget gaming mouse, like a braided cord, a dedicated fire button, and a built-in velcro cord keeper (the latter being handy for gamers on the go).
This is a low-cost gaming mouse similar in design to. Although it looks similar to the Razer DeathAdder, when you hold them in your hands you can tell the difference. When compared to the Razer DeathAdder, the PICTEK is smaller and less comfortable to average- or large-sized hands. Still, the PICTEK is less than half the price and offers similar functionality.
The braided cord is a little stiff at first, but gets more flexible with use. It gives the PICTEK smoother movement than a wired mouse with a standard plastic cord. We noted that if you don’t secure the cord properly, it drags a little to one side since the cord juts out of the top left.
The flywheel has a nubby texture that helps you keep your grip even during long, strenuous battles. It has handy DPI adjustments below the wheel. The side grips, on the other hand, don’t do much. The sides are made of the same smooth plastic, with crosshatch score marks, which feel slippery at times. It’s easy to change the LED lighting effects with a button on the bottom of the mouse, which is a plus.
Although the PICTEK feels a little clunkier in the hand than the similarly designed Razer DeathAdder, it performs well and we rated it in third place, thanks to its inexpensive price point. For the casual gamer who doesn’t want to spend much, the PICTEK will work well and hit on target.
Pros:
- LED light show that’s easy to adjust or turn off
- Upgraded braided cord
- Low price
Cons:
- Right-handed design only
- Additional setup time required (drivers and software)
UHURU WM-02 Wireless Gaming Mouse Rechargeable
-
800–10,000 DPI
-
Ergonomic design
-
50 ft. wireless transmission
-
Polling rate: 125–1000Hz
-
Weight: 3.2 ounces (90 g)
-
Polling rate: Up to 250 Hz
-
Price: $19.99
With a near-instant response time and comfortable design, the Uhuru WM-02 Wireless Gaming Mouse is designed for long, intense battles. It looks like something straight out of Tron with its sleek black moulded design and a futuristic LED light show. And it’s inexpensive, selling for less than $25 on Amazon.
It tested well on all tested surfaces, with near perfect accuracy. It’s a good mouse for role-playing games (RPGs) like Stardew Valley or Final Fantasy XV, and Borderlands.
Like most gaming mice, the Uhuru comes with Windows-only software for customization. It has six customizable buttons, a CPI adjuster below the scroll, and a stable feel. This wireless mouse has a Nano receiver that plugs into a USB, which stores in the underside of the mouse when you’re not using it. It also comes with a battery charging cord, which you can use while gaming.
We rated the ergonomic design as a hit or miss. One fourth of testers thought the Uhuru was the most comfortable mouse they’d ever tested, and three fourths didn’t like it at all. People with average-hand sizes liked it better. Although it’s a larger mouse, the curves were in the wrong places for people with larger hands.
The Uhuru mouse has a bright and busy LED light show, which is great for those who enjoy it but it can get annoying for gamers who get distracted easily. There isn’t a left handed version of the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, so it won’t work for lefties.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Comfortable to average sized hands
- Snappy and responsive
- Wireless
Cons:
- Uncomfortable to small- or large-sized hands
- Right-handed design only
Corsair Harpoon Pro – RGB Gaming Mouse
-
6,000 DPI
-
6 programmable buttons
-
Advanced tracking speed
-
Super lightweight (85g)
-
1000HZ polling rate
-
Price: $16.94
With a near-instant response time and comfortable design, the Uhuru WM-02 Wireless Gaming Mouse is designed for long, intense battles. It looks like something straight out of Tron with its sleek black moulded design and a futuristic LED light show. And it’s inexpensive, selling for less than $25 on Amazon.
It tested well on all tested surfaces, with near perfect accuracy. It’s a good mouse for role-playing games (RPGs) like Stardew Valley or Final Fantasy XV, and Borderlands.
Like most gaming mice, the Uhuru comes with Windows-only software for customization. It has six customizable buttons, a CPI adjuster below the scroll, and a stable feel. This wireless mouse has a Nano receiver that plugs into a USB, which stores in the underside of the mouse when you’re not using it. It also comes with a battery charging cord, which you can use while gaming.
We rated the ergonomic design as a hit or miss. One fourth of testers thought the Uhuru was the most comfortable mouse they’d ever tested, and three fourths didn’t like it at all. People with average-hand sizes liked it better. Although it’s a larger mouse, the curves were in the wrong places for people with larger hands.
The Uhuru mouse has a bright and busy LED light show, which is great for those who enjoy it but it can get annoying for gamers who get distracted easily. There isn’t a left handed version of the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, so it won’t work for lefties.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Comfortable to average sized hands
- Snappy and responsive
- Wireless
Cons:
- Uncomfortable to small- or large-sized hands
- Right-handed design only
What to look for in a gaming mouse
If you’re picking out a gaming mouse, make sure you look beyond the coolness factor and go for something that will perform in battle. Here are three things to compare when you’re looking at gaming mice.
Ergonomics
There’s a reason behind the sleek, contoured, and shapely curves of a gaming mouse. A good mouse is ample in size and comfortably supports your hand for long gaming sessions. It isn’t flat or low profile (Apple Magic Mouse, we’re talking to you here), because that design can cause wrist fatigue.
The ideal mouse for gamers varies based on your chosen game genre, gaming style, hand size, duration of gaming sessions, and posture. Find a mouse that feels like it’s part of your hand during gaming. Also, find one that works well with your grip.
You might have more of a palm grip, a fingertip grip, or a claw grip.
- Do you grip the mouse tightly at the bottom? You have a palm grip.
- Do your fingers arch up like a bear claw when you’re shooting? You have a claw grip.
- Do you hold the mouse tightly with the tips of your fingers? You have a fingertip grip.
Your ideal mouse will support your hand during long gaming sessions with minimal fatigue. The mouse also needs to be a comfortable weight. Some gamers like a heavier mouse with some heft, while others prefer something lighter and quicker. High-end gaming mice allow you to customize the weight.
Pro tip: If you use a mouse that is actively uncomfortable for long periods of time, you can develop pain in the wrist or even carpal tunnel syndrome. You can use a padded mouse pad or a wrist rest to supplement your mouse’s ergonomics and prevent fatigue.
Adjustable DPI
Most (but not all) gaming mice have adjustable DPI. What’s DPI? Computer mice measure movement in DPI, which stands for Dots Per Inch. If you have your mouse DPI turned all the way up to to the max, which might be 16,000 DPI on some devices, your mouse will move further on the screen with each little movement. If you turn it down, it’ll move more slowly.
Newbies often make the mistake of turning the DPI too far up, which can result in loss of control. For games that involve control and precision, you don’t want to be leaping across the screen every time you make a tiny movement.
Most gamers prefer to keep DPI turned down as much as possible, while still permitting quick movement when necessary. Having easy-to-access buttons that adjust DPI up and down is a must for many gamers. In addition to using these buttons, serious gamers often create a unique user profile for each game that gives them the perfect balance of control and speed.
Inches per second
The sensor underneath your mouse tracks movement. IPS stands for inches per second and is a standard for measuring how fast a mouse can be moved and still accurately track movement.
When you’re gaming, you’ll move your mouse move quickly across the mouse pad to combat enemies, capture loot, and explore new territory. But if your mouse can’t keep up with your fast movement, you’ll have skips and jumps across the screen.
Not all mice are made for fast action. Some are designed for clicking on websites or scrolling through pages of content. The higher your IPS rating is, the better you’ll be able to control and dominate the game.
Many gaming mice have an IPS of 250 or higher. The Razer DeathAdder Elite gaming mouse has one of the highest ratings of 450 IPS. Mice designed for casual desktop use have a much lower IPS.
Polling rate
If you’re playing multiplayer, fast-action games, you’ll want to pay attention to polling rate. Your mouse’s polling rate tells you how often it will update the cursor to show your position in play. The slower the polling rate, the higher the chance for lag and latency.
If you have a polling rate of 250 Hz, it will update the position 250 times a second. A polling rate of 1,000 Hz (the highest available) will give you a slight edge in play. Many gaming mice have an adjustable polling rate. Push it up to 1,000 Hz.
Pro tip: When you adjust your mouse’s polling rate, it won’t reflect any changes until after you restart your computer.
Of course, lag might not be due to your mouse at all—it’s most commonly the result of a bad internet connection. You need fast speeds, unlimited data for gaming updates, and a steady connection. You can find out how much speed you need for gaming by checking out our internet speed recommendations.
If you’re playing multiplayer games, upload speed is an often overlooked key to low lag. Some types of internet, such as satellite and cable, usually have lower upload speeds in proportion to download. Find out more about the best internet providers for online gaming by reading our expert review.
Shopping around for new internet?
Enter your zip code below to see which providers are available in your area.
Methodology
In addition to 20 hours of research, we also performed testing on each mouse. We gathered a team of a dozen testers with varying hand sizes, grip, and gaming preferences. We had each tester rank all the mice from one to six according to comfort level, functionality, and style.
In addition, we selected an avid gamer (Chloe Gawrych) to test the mice in-play. Gawrych played tested all the mice for several hours while playing Rainbow Six Siege (shooter) and Age of Empires II (RTS). Her observations were critical to the assessment of each mouse’s qualities and overall ranking.
Gaming mice FAQ
Can I program buttons on the Logitech G502?
Yes. The Logitech G502 HERO includes gaming mouse software where you can customize buttons, colors, sensitivity, and more. Logitech is one of the few companies that offers gaming software for Windows or Mac.
Does the Razer DeathAdder Elite work on a Mac?
Gaming mice are primarily designed for PC gaming laptop use, and the Razer DeathAdder Elite is no exception. While the DeathAdder is usable on most Macs with a USB drive, you won’t be able to customize it on a Mac since the software requires Windows.
| Our pick | Best for a budget | Best for wireless gaming | Best for audiophiles | Best for color options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
| SteelSeries Arctis 7 (2019 Edition) | Corsair HS50 | ASTRO A50 | HyperX Cloud Alpha with HyperX Amp USB Sound Card | Razer Kraken |
| ≈ $120 | ≈ $50 | ≈ $215 | ≈ $105 | ≈ $80 |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
*Price at time of writing. Prices are subject to change.
What is the best gaming headset?
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 has it all—comfort, on-ear controls, great audio with punchy bass, Discord-certified mic, and a combination of wired and wireless connection options. It’s a great gaming headset all around, whether you’re looking to get really immersed in The Elder Scrolls Online or just want to mic up and chat with your online friends.
We also love the ASTRO Gaming A50 headset. It’s more than twice as expensive as the Arctis 7, but its specific compatibility makes sure its best features are available across all your gaming stations.
And if you’re looking for a steal, the Corsair HS50 is a budget-friendly pick that gives you decent sound and mic quality for less than $50.
Of course, there are tons of gaming headsets out there. So if none of these are calling to you, keep reading for more top picks and our guide to choosing your perfect gaming headset.
Top gaming headsets
| Model | Price | Wired or wireless | Notable feature | Get it | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our pick | SteelSeries Arctis 7 (2019 Edition) | ≈$120 | Both | 24-hour battery life | View on Amazon |
| Best for a budget | Corsair HS50 | ≈$50 | Wired | Easy-to-use, on-ear controls | View on Amazon |
| Best for wireless gaming | ASTRO A50 | ≈$215 | Wireless | Dolby Headphone 7.1 Surround Sound | View on Amazon |
| Best for audiophiles | HyperX Cloud Alpha with HyperX Amp USB Sound Card | ≈$105 | Wired | Comes with USB sound card | View on Amazon |
| Best for color options | Razer Kraken | ≈$80 | Wired | Notch in ear cushions for glasses | View on Amazon |
| Our pick | |
| Model | SteelSeries Arctis 7 (2019 Edition) |
| Price | ≈$120 |
| Wired or wireless | Both |
| Notable feature | 24-hour battery life |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
| Best for a budget | |
| Model | Corsair HS50 |
| Price | ≈$50 |
| Wired or wireless | Wired |
| Notable feature | Easy-to-use, on-ear controls |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
| Best for wireless gaming | |
| Model | ASTRO A50 |
| Price | ≈$215 |
| Wired or wireless | Wireless |
| Notable feature | Dolby Headphone 7.1 Surround Sound |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
| Best for audiophiles | |
| Model | HyperX Cloud Alpha with HyperX Amp USB Sound Card |
| Price | ≈$105 |
| Wired or wireless | Wired |
| Notable feature | Comes with USB sound card |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
| Best for color options | |
| Model | Razer Kraken |
| Price | ≈$80 |
| Wired or wireless | Wired |
| Notable feature | Notch in ear cushions for glasses |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
*Price at time of writing. Prices are subject to change.
SteelSeries Arctis 7 (2019 edition)
-
Connection type: Wireless 2.4 GHz and 3.5mm jack
-
Drivers: 40mm
-
Frequency response: 20Hz–20,000Hz
-
Wireless range: Up to 40 ft.
-
Compatibility: PS4, PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, Xbox One
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 is a well-rounded headset for gamers who play on multiple platforms. Its wireless option is compatible with PC, Mac, PS4, and Switch. And the included 3.5mm analog option works with mobile and Xbox One (with an adapter).
The only issue with the Arctis 7’s flexibility is that some of its best features don’t work on every platform. You can’t use it wirelessly on Xbox One, and its surround sound works only on PC. But even without the surround sound, you still get stereo audio with excellent bass.
The design of the Arctis 7 really pushes this headset to the top. It’s comfy as heck and has simple but useful on-ear controls. The elastic suspension headband and padded foam ear cushions make the headset feel very light—kind of like it’s just floating on your head. That and its 24-hour wireless battery life make it great for long wear.
The headset’s volume and mute controls are at the bottom of the left ear cup, so it’s easy to thumb the volume wheel up or down. And there’s a ChatMix dial in the same spot on your right, so you can easily adjust the balance of in-game audio vs. chat audio.
Overall, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 is the best gaming headset because of its spectacular combination of comfort, sound, controls, flexible compatibility, and price. Really, this headset has it all, and it’s a great choice for any gamer.
Pros:
- On-ear chat/game audio mix control
- 24-hour battery life
- Wired or wireless options
Cons:
- DTS Headphone: X v2.0 Surround available only on PC
- Wireless not compatible with Xbox One
Corsair HS50
-
Connection type: 3.5mm analog
-
Drivers: 50mm
-
Frequency response: 20 Hz–20,000 Hz
-
Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, Switch, Mobile, Xbox One (with adapter)
The Corsair HS50 is a good headset for its budget-friendly price point. It doesn’t have the richest sound quality of the bunch, but for about $50, it’s a solid gaming headset that gets the job done.
There isn’t much to complain about with the Corsair headset. But then again, nothing about it is particularly exciting either. The headset is black and nondescript with a quilted leatherette headband and cushioned ear cups made with the same material. It has the classic gaming headset look—and some models even have bright blue or green accents.
The on-ear volume and mute controls are easy to find and use, and we liked how easy it is to position the detachable mic. The biggest downside to this headset is that its leatherette ear cups trap heat, so it can get a little toasty after a while.
Though not the best overall, the Corsair HS50 is a standout headset for the price. It’s perfect for fledgling gamers or those on a tighter budget who still want clear communication during Call of Duty matches.
Pros:
- Great audio and build quality for the price
Cons:
- Faux leather ear cushions that get warm during extended play
ASTRO A50
-
Connection type: Wireless 5 GHz
-
Drivers: 40mm
-
Frequency response: 20Hz–20,000Hz
-
Wireless range: Up to 30 ft.
-
Compatibility: PC, Mac, and PS4 or Xbox One
Serious gamers and streamers should consider investing in the ASTRO A50 wireless headset. It’s the most expensive headset on this list, but it proved its worth in our audio tests. Its sound is full and dynamic, and you can customize equalizer modes and audio settings using the included ASTRO Command Center software for finer-tuned input and output.
We love the on-ear audio controls that let you adjust volume, game/chat priority, surround sound, and EQ modes—especially because all the controls are on the right side (and our testers were righties). There was a bit of a learning curve for adjusting the settings mid-game, but it was worth it for the extra level of control.
The main downside to the ASTRO A50 is the price. It’s a pretty expensive headset, and it has more compatibility limitations than any other product on this list. It’s compatible with PC, Mac, and either PS4 or Xbox One unless you drop an additional $100 on a second base station for compatibility with both consoles.
That might be worth it if you divide your time equally between the two consoles and want the same top-tier audio experience, but the price is high compared to every other headset on this list, which all work (though not wirelessly) with both consoles.
The base stations also necessitate an at least semipermanent setup. The required connections and extra accessories aren’t ideal for portability. So it’s not the best option for a gaming laptop setup.
But the A50’s customization options for both audio input and output are excellent, and it’s a great wireless gaming headset if you want that level of control over your sound. It’s an investment, but the high price tag gets you the best wireless sound quality.
Pros:
- Excellent audio quality
- Dolby Headphone 7.1 surround sound audio
- ASTRO Command Center software for audio tuning
- 3 preset EQ modes
Cons:
- Limited compatibility
- High price
Pro tip: The ASTRO A50’s base station is compatible with PS4 or Xbox One (you have to choose one of the other). But both base stations work with PC. Make sure you get the version that matches your console, or you can purchase both base stations to work with one headset for multi-platform compatibility.
HyperX Cloud Alpha
-
Connection type: 3.5 mm analog
-
Drivers: 50mm dual chamber
-
Frequency response: 13 Hz –27,000Hz
-
Compatibility: PS4, PC, Mac, Switch, Xbox One (with adapter), mobile
The HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset is our top pick for audiophiles. It has a rich and dynamic sound (for better appreciation of the Celeste soundtrack), and it came out on top of our back-to-back audio comparisons.
We tested the Cloud Alpha with the HyperX Amp USB Sound Card. The accessory costs about $25 and adds better in-line controls and virtual surround sound.
Without the sound card, the headset still has great audio quality and in-line controls for audio volume and mute. But the extra option is nice if you want more control over your mic sound, a slightly more immersive listening experience, or simply want to connect to your PC via USB instead of dual input and output 3.5mm jacks.
Our testers had a hard time agreeing on how comfortable the headset was over long periods of time. One person wore it for hours without issue, but another tester found that it put too much pressure on their glasses, which caused pretty immediate discomfort.
The headset’s sturdy aluminum frame should survive daily gaming and the occasional rage quit. But the ear cups and headband are covered in a soft, padded leatherette (to protect your head from that sturdy aluminum frame).
We like that its mic and braided cable are both detachable, which help maintain the durability of the headset over time because they’re not getting bent at weird angles during storage. And it makes them easily replaceable if they break.
Overall, the HyperX Cloud Alpha headset is a sturdy headset with beautiful sound, perfect for gamers who don’t want to skimp on sound quality.
Pros:
- Crisp sound with full dynamic range
- Durable build
Cons:
- No HyperX Amp USB Sound Card compatibility for Xbox One
Razer Kraken
-
Connection type: 3.5mm analog
-
Drivers: 50mm
-
Frequency response: 12Hz–28,000 Hz
-
Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One (with adapter), Switch, mobile
This headset has a neutral sound quality, retractable mic, leatherette ear cushions with cooling gel to prevent overheating, and optional kitty ear accessories for when you want to annihilate your enemies and look kawaii while doing it.
We found this headset to be the most fun, partially because it comes in bright colors like pink and bright green. It’s a refreshing break from the headsets that follow the usual gamer aesthetic (black with a pop of red, blue, or neon green).
But besides its quirky style options, the Razer Kraken headset is a good gaming headset. It has a neutral sound profile, and while it doesn’t have the audio depth or specialized controls that some of the other headsets on this list achieve, it’s great for less than $100.
The one thing that bugs us about this headset is that its in-line audio controls are a little loose, which makes it very easy to bump with your arm and drastically change the volume. We fixed this by looping the cord to tie the controls up a little higher.
Other than that, it’s a great headset. We love the ear cushion design. It’s leatherette but doesn’t trap heat, thanks to the cooling gel inside the cushions. And the front of the cushions have indents specifically designed to relieve pressure on glasses (this doesn’t interfere with people who don’t wear glasses at all).
So if you’re looking for something that breaks from the usual gamer style without sacrificing too much quality or cash, the Razer Kraken is a great option.
Pros:
- Comfortable for long gaming sessions
- Bright color options and cat ear accessories
Cons:
- Slippery in-line audio controls
What to look for in a gaming headset
Personal preference is a huge part of finding the perfect gaming headset. But we’ll guide you through a few key things you should look out for.
Compatibility
Some gaming headsets—especially wireless ones—work only with specific platforms. So make sure you pick a headset that will work with your gaming setup.
Any wired, wireless, or USB headset should work with PC, but console gaming gets a little more complicated. We tested all our recommended headsets on PS4. So our listed headsets have you covered there. But if your platform of choice is the Xbox One, you might need to buy extra accessories to get everything to work correctly.
Pro tip: If you want to connect a 3.5mm jack headset to an older Xbox One controller, you might need to buy a stereo headset adapter.
Price
You can snag a serviceable gaming headset for as little as $30. Or you can treat yo’ self to tricked-out gear that costs upwards of $300. We covered a wide price range in this review to highlight products that fit every budget.
While all these products work well for gaming, we did notice an increase in audio quality at higher price points. And most of the more expensive headsets also have audio control software to help you customize your sound experience.
Audio quality
Most people don’t need studio-quality headphones, especially if you primarily use your headset for party chat. But that doesn’t mean you should skimp on the audio quality when looking for a gaming headset.
Great stereo sound can really immerse you in gameplay, while distorted audio can pull you out of the experience or cause confusion during team-ups. And you’ll want something with a good representation of highs, mids, and bass if you plan to listen to music on your headset.
In terms of pure audio quality, the HyperX and ASTRO headsets won our back-to-back audio comparison. But all of these headsets are more than capable of making sure you hear when a creeper’s nearby in Minecraft.
Of course, the type of games you regularly play also factor into your audio quality needs. Playing Stardew Valley doesn’t necessarily require the same quality of audio that a horror game like Dead by Daylight does. And if you’re looking for a headset for VR, you probably want to invest in a headset with simulated surround sound.
Comfort
Comfort is subjective, so it’s hard to tell whether you’ll like the fit of any gaming headset without trying it on. But it’s also one of the most important features. You don’t want a headset that’ll hurt your ears or put pressure on your head after an hour or two.
All the headsets we tested are circumaural, which means they sit around your ears instead of on top of them. If you’ll be wearing your headset for a long period of time and want really immersive audio, this is the style you should be looking for.
If you wear glasses, you need to take special care when making your selection. The Razer Kraken headset specifically addresses this issue by making an indent in the foam ear cushion so that area doesn’t put extra pressure on the sides of your head.
Both can be very comfortable, but the fabric headsets are more breathable and don’t trap heat like leatherette options. On the flip side, leatherette is better for noise cancellation, and many leatherette headsets combat the heat with cooling gel in the ear cushions, which gives you the best of both worlds.
Wired vs. wireless
There are advantages and disadvantages to both wired and wireless gaming headsets. For example, wired headsets with a 3.5mm analog jack are compatible with pretty much any platform, and they’re usually less expensive than wireless headsets with similar specs.
Wireless headsets usually have more restrictions, whether they connect via Bluetooth or a dedicated USB receiver. But going wireless imposes fewer physical boundaries during gameplay, so you don’t have to worry about getting your wires crossed.
Neither option is inherently better than the other. It’s just a matter of preference.
Controls and ease of use
In the middle of a battle royale, you need to be able to adjust your volume on the fly. We took special note of how intuitive each headset’s volume, mute, and other controls were during out tests.
Generally, we preferred on-ear controls over in-line controls. You always know exactly where they are, and it’s much harder to accidentally bump them and drastically change your volume.
Beyond volume and mute, our testers also appreciated chat and game audio balance controls, which were present on both the SteelSeries Arctis 7 and the ASTRO A50. These make it possible to adjust your sound priorities, which is useful for switching between chatting with friends to actually playing and paying attention to a round of Overwatch.
Our final take
You can’t really go wrong with any of these gaming headsets, but our pick is the SteelSeries Arctis 7. It’s a flexible headset that transitions well between gameplay, chat, and listening to music on any platform. Plus, it’s comfy enough to get you through marathon gaming sessions. If you’ve got the cash, go ahead and grab it and start gaming like never before.
How we tested
Each headset in this review went through at least six hours of testing across PC, Mac, and PS4 platforms. Tests included one three-hour gaming sesh, a back-to-back audio performance comparison, and a lot of asking party members, “Do I sound better now, [pause while tester switched headsets] or now?”
FAQ
How do I connect a gaming headset to my PC?
There are basically three ways you could connect a gaming headset to a PC, depending on the headset:
- Wireless
- 5mm jack
- USB
With a 3.5mm analog connection, you may need a splitter so you can plug in to your PC’s audio input (mic) and audio output (headphones) ports. All the wired headsets we tested came with a splitter for PC compatibility.
USB connections are just a matter of plugging in the USB cable. And wireless headsets use Bluetooth or pair with a USB receiver. You may need to adjust your PC’s audio settings to select the right input and output, but it should pretty much be plug and play.
What is the best console gaming headset?
When it comes to console gaming, we prefer wireless headsets for the freedom of movement. For the best audio and gaming experience for Xbox and PS4, we recommend the ASTRO A50 wireless gaming headset. Just make sure you get the right version for your console.
Find your way to clicking bliss.
| Best Overall | Best Wireless Gaming Mouse | Best Wireless Mouse under $20 | Best Portable Wireless Mouse | Best Wireless Ergonomic Mouse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
| Logitech MX Master 3 | Logitech G Pro Wireless | Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 | Logitech MX Anywhere 2S | Logitech MX Vertical |
| $$$ | $$$$ | $ | $$ | $$$ |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Data effective 9/5/19. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Which wireless mouse is best?
For most people, the Logitech MX Master 3 offers the best balance of battery life, comfort, customizability, and special features. Once you try it, you won’t want to go back to anything else.
For gamers, frequent travelers, and those looking for maximum ergonomics, though, we’ve got some more specialized picks that give the MX Master 3 a run for its money.
Top wireless mice
| Model | Price | Battery life | # of buttons | Connection type | Get it | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Logitech MX Master 3 | $$$ | Up to 70 days | 7 | Bluetooth or USB receiver | View on Amazon | |
| Best Wireless Gaming Mouse | Logitech G Pro Wireless | $$$$ | Up to 48 hours | 8 | USB receiver | View on Amazon | |
| Best Wireless Mouse under $20 | Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 | $ | Up to 1 year | 3 | Bluetooth | View on Amazon | |
| Best Portable Wireless Mouse | Logitech MX Anywhere 2S | $$ | Up to 70 days | 7 | Bluetooth or USB receiver | View on Amazon | |
| Best Wireless Ergonomic Mouse | Logitech MX Vertical | $$$ | Up to 4 months | 6 | Bluetooth or USB receiver | View on Amazon |
| Best overall | |
| Model | Logitech MX Master 3 |
| Price | $$$ |
| Battery life | Up to 70 days |
| # of buttons | 7 |
| Connection type | Bluetooth or USB receiver |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
| Best Wireless Gaming Mouse | |
| Model | Logitech G Pro Wireless |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Battery life | Up to 48 hours |
| # of buttons | 8 |
| Connection type | USB receiver |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
| Best Wireless Mouse under $20 | |
| Model | Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 |
| Price | $ |
| Battery life | Up to 1 year |
| # of buttons | 3 |
| Connection type | Bluetooth |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
| Best Portable Wireless Mouse | |
| Model | Logitech MX Anywhere 2S |
| Price | $$ |
| Battery life | Up to 70 days |
| # of buttons | 7 |
| Connection type | Bluetooth or USB receiver |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
| Best Wireless Ergonomic Mouse | |
| Model | Logitech MX Vertical |
| Price | $$$ |
| Battery life | Up to 4 months |
| # of buttons | 6 |
| Connection type | Bluetooth or USB receiver |
| Get it | View on Amazon |
*Price at time of writing.
Logitech MX Master 3
-
Weight: 141 g
-
Battery life: Up to 70 days
-
# of buttons: 7
-
Connection type: Bluetooth or USB receiver
-
Price: $$$
The Logitech MX Master series has been the king of productivity for years, and the MX Master 3 is the latest evolution of that heritage.
This mouse takes everything great about its predecessor, the MX Master 2S, and polishes it to perfection. There’s its long battery life, a comfortable and ergonomic shape, plenty of customizable buttons, and the choice of Bluetooth or USB connectivity—and the list goes on.
Hands down, our favorite part of the MX Master 3 is the new magnetic scroll wheel. It simulates a mechanical wheel perfectly and just feels amazing to use. The thumb wheel is still there, too, and is bigger and easier to use as well.
But the high price can’t be ignored. If you want to save a few bucks, the older MX Master 2S is still available and is now cheaper.
Pros:
- Comfortable design
- Amazing scroll wheel
- Lots of useful features
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy
Logitech G Pro Wireless
-
Weight: 80 g
-
Battery life: 48 hours
-
# of buttons: 8
-
Connection type: USB receiver
-
Price: $$$$
There is no shortage of excellent gaming mice on the market today, from the Razer Deathadder Elite to the SteelSeries Sensei 310. But out of the sea of possibilities, the Logitech G Pro Wireless stands out as our favorite.
First off, it’s an ambidextrous mouse, so lefties aren’t left out in the cold. The buttons are excellent, and the side buttons can even be removed and repositioned in any configuration you want, with up to two on each side.
The G Pro is very light for a wireless mouse, so you can flick it around quickly to get that perfect shot. And, most importantly, it’s unbelievably accurate. It’s expensive, true, but we think it’s worth every penny if you’re serious about your gaming.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Ambidextrous
- Extremely accurate
Cons:
- Very expensive
Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600
-
Weight: 63 g
-
Battery life: Up to 1 year
-
Connection type: Bluetooth
-
Bullet 4
-
Price: $
If you’re looking for a solid, reliable wireless mouse on a budget, it doesn’t get much better than the Bluetooth Mobile Mouse from Microsoft.
This mouse features three buttons (left click, right click, and a clickable scroll wheel) and a long battery life, and it comes in a choice of black, blue, or red. It’s also small, so you can easily throw it in your bag and take it with you if you need to get out of the office.
The only real trade-off for that low price is the lack of customizable buttons—what you see is what you get. Other than that, it’s good enough to get the job done. It is small, though, so it could get uncomfortable to use for very long sessions, depending on your hand size.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight build
- Sturdy frame
- Great price
Cons:
- Lacks extra buttons
- May be too small for some
Logitech MX Anywhere 2S
-
Weight: 106 g
-
Battery life: Up to 70 days
-
# of buttons: 7
-
Connection type: Bluetooth or USB receiver
-
Price: $$
For a fully featured mouse that’s small enough to toss in your laptop bag, look no further than the MX Anywhere 2S. This mouse packs most of the features of the MX Master into a compact, portable package that feels great to use.
Most portable and travel mice are pretty basic. But the MX Anywhere features seven fully programmable buttons, which immediately puts it ahead of the pack for customization.
It’s also very accurate, and it uses Logitech’s Darkfield laser tracking, so it works on anything from a mouse pad to a glass table. And to top it all off, the price is just right.
Our only complaint is comfort—it’s just a bit too small to use for extended sessions, so if you’re looking for a mouse to use primarily at your desk, we’d recommend one of our full-size picks.
Pros:
- Compact and portable shape
- Great price
- Plenty of customizability
Cons:
- A little heavy for a portable mouse
- Uncomfortable for long sessions
Pro tip: A new mouse can only do so much. Check out our picks for the best Apple laptops and best PC laptops.
Logitech MX Vertical
-
Weight: 135 g
-
Battery life: Up to 4 months
-
# of buttons: 6
-
Connection type: Bluetooth or USB receiver
-
Price: $$$
While standard mice can be designed to be highly ergonomic, the position they put your hand in still puts you at risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome.
There are some excellent wireless trackballs available that help, but they lack the accuracy of a traditional mouse. Vertical mice, on the other hand, keep your hand in a comfortable upright position while offering the full accuracy and function of a mouse.
The best vertical ergonomic mouse is the Logitech MX Vertical. This mouse is incredibly well-built and features six programmable buttons. Battery life is excellent for a rechargeable wireless mouse, and it can connect with either Bluetooth or Logitech’s Unifying Receiver.
While it can be hard to get used to at first, there’s a lot that you (and your body) will love about the MX Vertical.
Pros:
- Very comfortable feel once you get used to it
- Plenty of programmable buttons
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
- A bit heavy to transport and use for long periods
What to look for in a wireless mouse
Everyone has different hand shapes and button preferences, but there are still some general guidelines to keep in mind.
Comfort
Comfort is very important in a mouse, especially if you’re going to be using it for extended periods. The best way to check a mouse for comfort is to go into a local brick-and-mortar store and try some display models.
If that’s not possible, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Compare your hand size to the size of the mouse. Bigger hands will generally be more comfortable with a bigger mouse.
- Consider the shape of the mouse. Curves are good! Very flat mice tend to be uncomfortable to use for long periods. Ideally you want a nice hump at the back of the mouse, especially if you tend to palm it.
- Heavier mice can be more fatiguing to use, so if you make a lot of rapid movements (like you would in first-person shooter games) consider buying a lighter mouse.
Battery life
Battery life is a big quality-of-life feature to watch for. You don’t want to have to charge a mouse every day.
A good number to shoot for here is at least a month of use on a single battery or charge. All of the mice on our list offer at least two months, with the exception of the Logitech G Pro. (Gaming mice tend to have shorter battery life because they need to keep the weight low.)
Buttons
Make sure the mouse you buy has enough buttons for your day-to-day usage. As a general rule, you want five buttons minimum: the obvious left and right click, a clickable scroll wheel, and forward and back buttons for web browsing.
Anything more than that tends to be a bonus, unless you’re gaming. For games, you may want more buttons so you can bind in-game actions to them. If the mouse buttons are programmable via included software, that’s even better.
Connection type
Wireless mice usually use one of two methods to connect to your computer: Bluetooth or a USB dongle.
Bluetooth has the advantage of being universal and not using a valuable USB port, while a dongle can offer a more reliable connection and works on computers that don’t have Bluetooth.
Most modern Logitech mice offer both options, so you can choose whichever you prefer.
Wireless mice FAQ
What’s the best wireless mouse for Mac?
We think the Logitech MX Master 3 is the best wireless mouse for Mac. Many Mac users like the Apple Magic Mouse, but we find it to be too flat to use for long periods.
What’s the best wireless mouse for gaming?
The best wireless mouse for gaming in our opinion is the Logitech G Pro Wireless. We like its low weight, outstanding accuracy, and comfortable layout.
What’s the best wireless mouse for big hands?
Our top pick, the Logitech MX Master 3, is the best mouse for big hands. It’s large and has a comfortable curve to it—especially if you use a palm grip.
What’s the best wireless mouse for small hands?
For very small hands, any of the portable mice are a good fit. We recommend the Logitech MX Anywhere 2S.
Looking for smooth gameplay? It’s in the cards.
| Latest and Greatest | Best for Future Games | Best for Current Games | Best Deal | Most Affordable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition | EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 Gaming | Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 Gaming OC | AMD Radeon RX 580 |
| View Details | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Installing a good graphics card can be the difference between playing a game and escaping into it. Here are the graphics cards we recommend for turning your monitor into a portal to another dimension.
Our Top 5 Graphics Cards for Gaming
| Graphics Processor | VRAM | TFLOPS | Memory Type | Amazon Rating | Price | Get It | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 | 6 GB | 6.5 | GDDR6 | N/A | $$ | View Details | |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition | 11 GB | 13.4 | GDDR6 | 3.5/5 | $$$$$ | Buy Now | |
| EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 Gaming | 11 GB | 11.3 | GDDR5X | 4.5/5 | $$$$$ | Buy Now | |
| Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 Gaming OC | 6 GB | 4.6 | GDDR5 | 4.5/5 | $ | Buy Now | |
| AMD Radeon RX 580 | 8 GB | 6.2 | GDDR5 | 5/5 | $ | Buy Now |
| Graphics Processor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 |
| VRAM | 6 GB |
| TFLOPS | 6.5 |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 |
| Amazon Rating | N/A |
| Price | $$ |
| Get It | View Details |
| Graphics Processor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition |
| VRAM | 11 GB |
| TFLOPS | 13.4 |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 |
| Amazon Rating | 3.5/5 |
| Price | $$$$$ |
| Get It | Buy Now |
| Graphics Processor | EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 Gaming |
| VRAM | 11 GB |
| TFLOPS | 11.3 |
| Memory Type | GDDR5X |
| Amazon Rating | 4.5/5 |
| Price | $$$$$ |
| Get It | Buy Now |
| Graphics Processor | Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 Gaming OC |
| VRAM | 6 GB |
| TFLOPS | 4.6 |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 |
| Amazon Rating | 4.5/5 |
| Price | $ |
| Get It | Buy Now |
| Graphics Processor | AMD Radeon RX 580 |
| VRAM | 8 GB |
| TFLOPS | 6.2 |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 |
| Amazon Rating | 5/5 |
| Price | $ |
| Get It | Buy Now |
Find out what VRAM, TFLOPS, and memory type are—and why they’re important.
Graphics cards are often referred to as graphics processing units (GPUs). All the GPUs we recommend use PCIe 3.0 x16 motherboard slots and have eight-pin power connections, making them compatible with many current motherboards.
1. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
- VRAM: 6 GB
- TFLOPS: 6.4*
- Memory Type: GDDR6
- Memory Speed: 14 Gbps
- Power Consumption: 160 W
- Base Clock Speed: 1,365 MHz
- Boosted Clock Speed: 1,680 MHz
- Dimensions: 9″ x 4.5″ x 2-slot
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 is the new hotness in graphics cards. NVIDIA’s new Turing technology uses artificial intelligence and ray tracing to provide breathtaking clarity and smooth motion rarely seen at such a low price point. Some cards with similar abilities can cost three or four times as much.
This new card is not available on Amazon yet, but you can get it directly from NVIDIA.
Pros:
- Great buffering speed
- Affordability
Cons:
- Limited availability (so far)
*According to TechPowerUp.com
2. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition
- VRAM: 11 GB
- TFLOPS: 13.4*
- Memory Type: GDDR6
- Memory Speed: 14 Gbps
- Power Consumption: 260 W
- Base Clock Speed: 1,350 MHz
- Boosted Clock Speed: 1,545 MHz
- Dimensions: 10.5″ x 4.6″ x 2-slot
If you’re looking to future proof your computer, this is the card you want. Capable of executing over 13 TFLOPS, this card delivers more than enough processing power for modern AAA games. As future games become more demanding, the headroom you get with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition will keep your machine running smoothly for the foreseeable future.
The downside to all that processing power is that it will take a lot of electrical power. This GPU consumes more power than the others we recommend. It’s also the most expensive. But if you want the card that will last you into the future, that’s the price you gotta pay.
Pros:
- Great buffering speed
- Enough power for future games
Cons:
- Higher power consumption
*According to TechPowerUp.com
3. EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 Gaming
- VRAM: 11 GB
- TFLOPS: 11.3*
- Memory Type: GDDR5X
- Memory Speed: 11 Gbps
- Power Consumption: 200 W
- Base Clock Speed: 1,683 MHz
- Boosted Clock Speed: 1,683 MHz
- Dimensions: 12.8″ x 9.5″ x 2.8″
Another great card for high-end gaming, the EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 delivers nearly as much performance as the GeForce RTX 2080 Ti we discussed above, but it consumes less power. It’s also slightly less expensive, although it still has a hefty price tag. This is the GPU we recommend for our badass kit.
With the three-fan cooling system, this GPU will keep your games running smoothly even during long sessions. The clear, seamless images it delivers will free you from the frustration of laggy processors, helping you stay cool too.
Pros:
- Great operating speed
- Great gaming performance
Cons:
- High price
*According to TechPowerUp.com
4. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 Gaming OC
- VRAM: 11 GB
- TFLOPS: 11.3*
- Memory Type: GDDR5X
- Memory Speed: 11 Gbps
- Power Consumption: 200 W
- Base Clock Speed: 1,683 MHz
- Boosted Clock Speed: 1,683 MHz
- Dimensions: 12.8″ x 9.5″ x 2.8″
The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 is similar to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060. It’s got a different cooling system and a little less power. It doesn’t execute as many operations per second, but you won’t notice it on most games. The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 still delivers remarkably smooth animations and clear rendering on demanding games. Plus, it’s a tad more affordable than the NVIDIA model.
For gamers looking for something with newer technology but who also want to save a little cash, this is a great option.
Pros:
- Great buffering speed
- Affordability
Cons:
- Slower operating speed
*According to TechPowerUp.com
5. AMD Radeon RX 580
- VRAM: 8 GB
- TFLOPS: 6.2
- Memory Type: GDDR5
- Memory Speed: 8 Gbps
- Power Consumption: 185 W
- Base Clock Speed: 1,257 MHz
- Boosted Clock Speed: 1,340 MHz
- Dimensions: 8″ x 5″ x 2″
For a decent GPU on a tight budget, go with the AMD Radeon RX 580. Less than $200 will get you a card that can handle most games.
This card is particularly good if you plan to play mainly online, player-versus-player (PvP) games because those games are a little less demanding, and the price of this card keeps you from paying for more power than you need.
Its buffering speed is a little slower than the other cards we recommend, and it has only one cooling fan, so it may run hot on AAA games. That may impact its longevity. But for a budget-conscious or first-time builder, this is a solid graphics card.
Pros:
- Good speed
- Great price
Cons:
- Slower buffering speed than our other recommended cards
What should I consider when choosing a graphics card?
Performance
VRAM
Video random-access memory (VRAM) is the amount of space your graphics card has for processing digital video information. Higher VRAM can deliver more efficient processing, which can translate into smoother animations and transitions on your video display.
TFLOPS
Floating operations per second (FLOPS) is the number of individual changes a GPU can process in a second. Because modern cards can handle trillions of FLOPS, the large numbers are often represented as teraFLOPS or trillions of FLOPS (TFLOPS). More FLOPS is a sign of a faster GPU, and faster processing translates into a more seamless gaming experience.
Memory Type
This is less relevant than it used to be since the proliferation of the graphics double data rate version five (GDDR5). Now most top-end cards use this as a baseline. Subsequent generations—GDDR 5x and GDDR6—are even better.
Compatibility
A great graphics card won’t do anything for you if it doesn’t work with the rest of your computer parts. Below we’ll discuss some of the specs to look for when trying to match up a GPU with your motherboard, but you can also use tools like PCPartPicker.com.
Motherboard Connection
Make sure you choose a GPU that fits into one of the card slots on your motherboard. This will usually be determined by the length of the slot and the memory protocol they use.
The GPUs we recommend all have a PCIe 3.0 x16 connection. That means they use peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) protocol version 3.0 and require a 16-channel slot.
Heads-up: Some GPUs take more room than their connection might suggest. Look at the dimensions of a GPU before you order it. Then measure how much physical space you have inside your computer case to slot it in.
Most modern motherboards have a 16-channel slot and use PCIe protocol, but some motherboards still use AGP protocol. You can’t use a PCIe GPU with an AGP motherboard.
The good news is that you can use PCIe 3.0 cards on motherboards with older PCIe versions, although they will be limited by the older technology.
Power Connection
Your GPU needs power, so check the power connections you have available from your computer’s power supply. The connections come in a variety of sizes and configurations, ranging from two pins up to 16 pins. Some of them are adjustable so you can configure them in different ways. The graphics cards we recommend all come with 8-pin connections.
Power Consumption
Plugging in the power is only half the battle; you also need your power supply to handle the extra wattage for your GPU. A good guideline is to have a power supply that is three times what your GPU draws.
The power requirements for the graphics cards we recommend vary from 150 W to 260 W. So, to use these cards, your power supply should pump out somewhere between 450–780 W.
Monitor
Your video display will only be as good as your monitor or your graphics card, whichever one is worse. Price ranges on monitors and graphics cards are pretty similar, so spend the same amount on both. Otherwise, you’ll end up with one good piece of equipment that’s limited by a cheaper one. See our recommended gaming monitors.
What are the different types of graphics cards?
Onboard
These are the cards that sometimes come with pre-packaged PCs. They’re called onboard because instead of plugging into one of the slots on the motherboard, these cards are affixed to the motherboard.
AGP
Accelerated graphics port (AGP) cards are aptly named because they plug into the AGP slots in the motherboard. These cards are compatible with many motherboards, but they aren’t as fast as the PCI or PCIe cards. The speed limitations of AGP cards will likely lead to a future decline in popularity.
PCI
Peripheral component interconnect (PCI) graphics cards are also named after the connection slot they use. PCI cards are largely being replaced by PCIe cards, but they can be perfect for upgrading your old computer.
PCIe
Most of the best new GPUs are peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) cards, including all that we recommend.
As technology advanced and better versions of PCIe cards came out, they’re now on version three. They are backward compatible but will only work as fast as the lowest version is capable.
Ready to play?
Armed with the tips in this article, you’re ready to find a GPU that fits your budget and your computer so you can lose yourself in the life-like animations of your favorite games.
A good graphics card won’t solve a bad internet connection.
Even the best graphics card won’t help your online gaming much if your internet connection is too slow.
See internet speeds and providers available near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get two graphics cards for one computer?
It all depends on your setup. Multiple graphics cards (GPUs) can help with performance, but they’re usually expensive and need a decent amount of power. That trade-off might not be worth it for you.
If you have the space on your motherboard and enough power to handle a second card, it could be worth it. But if getting a second graphics card means upgrading your motherboard, your power supply, and possibly your case, you may find it more cost-efficient to simply upgrade your GPU.
What’s the best graphics card for gaming?
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition is a great choice for gaming. Not only does it run today’s AAA games with ease, but it also has the overhead to handle future games.
Is a GTX 1050 good for gaming?
- Yes, it is if you primarily play online, player-versus-player games. The GTX 1050 card series handles games like Dota 2 remarkably well for the price.
- No, it isn’t if you’re looking to run AAA games at the highest settings. Many top-end games, like Grand Theft Auto V, would push the GTX 1050 too hard.
Which graphics card is the most powerful?
As of the day this was written, the NVIDIA TITAN RTX, but you’ll have to pay big for that power. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition and EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 Gaming we recommend still give you enough power for high-end games for about $1,000 less.
Edited by Cara Haynes
On a quest to play even more games? These five consoles will have you looting rewards in no time.
Jump to: Gaming Consoles Comparison | PlayStation 4 Slim | Xbox One S | Nintendo Switch | NES Classic | Nintendo 2DS XL | FAQs
Craving a chance to crash on the couch and spend a Sunday afternoon duking it out in Super Smash Bros.? Or maybe you want to invite your buddies over for a multiplayer game of Diablo III.
Whatever your jam is, these are the top gaming consoles that’ll have you up all night battling gods, solving puzzles, and leaving the competition in your pixelated dust.
Best Consoles for Gaming
| Console | Price | Hard Drive | Best Feature | Learn More | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 4 Slim | $$$ | 1 TB | PlayStation VR compatibility | View on Amazon | |
| Xbox One S | $$$ | 1 TB | 4K support | View on Amazon | |
| Nintendo Switch | $$$ | 32 GB | Small and portable | View on Amazon | |
| NES Classic | $ | N/A | 30 1980s classic games | View on Amazon | |
| Nintendo 2DS XL | $$ | 4 GB | Low price point | View on Amazon |
| Console | PlayStation 4 Slim |
| Price | $$$ |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB |
| Best Feature | PlayStation VR compatibility |
| Learn More | View on Amazon |
| Console | Xbox One S |
| Price | $$$ |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB |
| Best Feature | 4K support |
| Learn More | View on Amazon |
| Console | Nintendo Switch |
| Price | $$$ |
| Hard Drive | 32 GB |
| Best Feature | Small and portable |
| Learn More | View on Amazon |
| Console | NES Classic |
| Price | $ |
| Hard Drive | N/A |
| Best Feature | 30 1980s classic games |
| Learn More | View on Amazon |
| Console | Nintendo 2DS XL |
| Price | $$ |
| Hard Drive | 4 GB |
| Best Feature | Low price point |
| Learn More | View on Amazon |
(P.S. If you’re a PC gamer, we’ve got guides for building your own gaming PC and buying a beast-mode gaming laptop.)
Your console is only as good as your internet.
Crush the lag. Loot the best internet speed where you live by entering your zip code.
1. PlayStation 4 Slim
Cost: $$$
Features:
- Blu-ray and DVD player
- 1 TB hard drive
We’ll be the first to admit that we’re hardcore PlayStation fans. Mostly it comes down to Sony’s set of exclusive, PlayStation-only games. Who could say no to the new God of War or Horizon Zero Dawn? Not us.
But along with a lengthy list of exclusive AAA and indie titles, the PlayStation 4 brings lots to get hyped about, including 4K on the (pricier) PlayStation 4 Pro.
Virtual reality (VR) still feels relatively new in the gaming world, but Sony’s PlayStation VR (PSVR) system made us believers.
We popped the VR helmet on for a game of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and were stunned at how immersive the game felt, especially how easy it was to get used to the controls. (Dual-wield battlemage? You got it.)
But one area where the PlayStation 4 lets us down is the controller battery life. It feels like we have to keep our controllers constantly plugged in. (But we really like the touchpad design.)
You may also feel limited by the lack of cross-play on the PlayStation 4. This means you won’t get to team up with players on other consoles (or PCs) for multiplayer games. However, Sony is (finally!) relenting a bit and starting to allow cross-play on select games. We’re crossing our fingers for cross-play support on more titles in the future.
Pros:
- Blu-ray and DVD player
- One of the best VR systems
- Support for exclusive AAA and indie titles
Cons:
- Controllers with short battery life
- No 4K support (PS4 Pro supports 4K)
Games you can play only on PlayStation 4:
2. Xbox One S
If you’re feeling nostalgic about your favorite Xbox 360 games but also can’t wait to get your hands on new releases, the Xbox One is likely more up your alley.
The Microsoft-made console lets you play older games on the newest console (a.k.a. backward compatibility). PlayStation, on the other hand, struggles with backward compatibility, which breaks our hearts until our favorite games are remastered à la Final Fantasy X.
Xbox One also offers a more robust library of cross-play supported games—though you can’t yet play every Xbox One game on Windows 10, sadly.
But one area where PlayStation trumps Xbox is VR. While you can technically jump into a VR game thanks to an Oculus Rift app, it’s not quite as immersive as the PSVR.
And by “not quite as immersive” we mean you’re basically in a virtual reality room where your Xbox games show up on a screen. If that feels a little too much like Inception for you, you’re not alone.
That aside, if you’re an Electronic Arts (EA) fan, the Xbox One comes with yet another perk that might sway you. The EA Access program adds more than 50 games to your Xbox One library, but best of all it gets you early access to new EA titles and 10% off EA digital purchases. Of course, you’ll need to subscribe to rake in all these benefits.
Pros:
- 4K support
- Early access to EA games
- Play Anywhere program that supports cross-play
Cons:
- No UHD Blu-ray support (Xbox One X supports it)
- No full VR support
Games you can play only on Xbox One:
- Ashen
- Cuphead (also on PC)
- Forza Horizon 4 (also on PC)
- Forza Motorsport 7 (also on PC)
- Gears of War 4
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Ori and the Blind Forest (also on PC)
- Rare Replay
- Sea of Thieves (also on PC)
- Sunset Overdrive (also on PC)
3. Nintendo Switch
Cost: $$$
Features:
- Up to 1080p resolution
- 32 GB of storage
We were right there with the rest of the gaming community, foaming at the mouth when the Nintendo Switch released. This console may look small, but it’s the ultimate hybrid of portable and couch gaming in a tiny package.
Speaking of hybrid, you can detach the two Joy-Con controllers and challenge a friend to a game of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The possibilities are endless (as long as you can get a comfy grip on the small Joy-Cons).
We’d say the Switch is more a traditional console than a portable one, though gaming with it on the couch does have a couple downfalls.
We hinted at the tiny Joy-Cons, which can be a pain (literally) to keep a grip on for longer than a couple rounds of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. That kind of makes a Switch Pro Controller a must-have for anyone with larger hands.
Also, if you love to test the waters in multiple games, the 32 GB storage space just won’t cut it. You’ll need to fork out some cash (again) for a microSDXC card to store more games.
Planning on the Switch to keep your pre-teen entertained during your next family vacation? Beware of the Switch’s short battery life when taken off its dock. Sadly, you can’t count on it to last you through both the wait time at the airport and your flight, let alone the ride to grandma’s house.
Still, the miles-long list of Nintendo Switch exclusive games is more than enough to keep us attached to this handheld portal to the lands of Pokémon trainers and Goombas.
Pros:
- Lots of exclusive game titles
- Small size for portability
- Ability to hook up to your TV
Cons:
- No VR or 4K support
- Small storage space
- Short battery life
Top 10 games you can play only on the Nintendo Switch:
4. NES Classic
Cost: $
Features:
- 30 preloaded games
- HDMI connection
- 3 display modes
Ready to go retro? The NES Classic is a dream come true for those who miss the golden days of gaming in your living room with the kid next door.
It comes preloaded with dozens of your favorite childhood games so you can relive huddling on your best friend’s twin bed playing Donkey Kong. Even the console brings back memories with its gray-and-black design.
We’ve been waiting for Nintendo to hop on the classic gaming console remake bandwagon for a long time. Now that they have, we’re pleased as punch. The NES Classic plays childhood classics like Super Mario Bros. 3 and Final Fantasy.
There is one huge downside—or should we say a short side? The cable connecting your controller to the console is about two feet long, which means you’ll have to channel your inner 13-year-old and sit on the floor while you play. (Unless you have lengthy HDMI and power cables.)
This is a huge bummer for two reasons: we hate sitting so close to the screen, and it makes the NES Classic’s updated graphics less enjoyable.
Dear Nintendo: TVs are no longer the tiny, old school CRT things of the past. We’ve got 60-inch LED screens up in here, and sitting two feet away from 60 inches of full-screen, pixelated glory can be really hard on the eyes. Just sayin’.
Pros:
- Large lineup of popular 1980s games
- Updated ports—including an HDMI connection to the TV
- 3 different display modes
Cons:
- Short cable from controller to console
- No option to add more games
- No Home button on the controller
What games do you get with the NES Classic?
- Balloon Fight
- Bubble Bobble
- Castlevania
- Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest
- Donkey Kong
- Donkey Kong Jr.
- Double Dragon II: The Revenge
- Mario
- Excitebike
- Final Fantasy
- Galaga
- Ghosts ’n Goblins
- Gradius
- Ice Climber
- Kid Icarus
- Kirby’s Adventure
- Mario Bros.
- Mega Man 2
- Metroid
- Ninja Gaiden
- Pac-Man
- Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream
- StarTropics
- Super C
- Super Mario Bros.
- Super Mario Bros. 2
- Super Mario Bros. 3
- Tecmo Bowl
- The Legend of Zelda
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
5. Nintendo 2DS XL
For the price point, we’re not sure anything beats the highly portable Nintendo 2DS XL. Sure, you could pay more for the 3DS XL, but since most DS games don’t include 3D support anyway, it’s probably not worth the extra cost.
How does it compare to the Switch? Well, you’ll get crisper, richer graphics with the Switch. But the portability and game library on the 2DS keep us coming back.
Sure, the 2DS’s software is certainly showing its age—as is its blurry 400 x 240 resolution—but the 2DS’s lineup of games rivals that of the Switch. Plus, we’ve found it to be far more portable.
At about 6.4 x 6.3 inches, it’s about the size of your cellphone. That makes it easier to carry along during your train ride to work than the Switch, which is a little big to just shove in with the rest of your stuff.
But our favorite thing about the 2DS is the game library. Don’t be confused by the names—the 2DS XL lets you play any 3DS games. That includes some of our favorites, like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Super Smash Bros., and Pokémon Sun and Moon.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Amiibo support
- Large lineup of games
Cons:
- Low resolution
- Older system
Top 10 Games for Nintendo 2DS XL
Want to know more?
What gaming console has the best graphics card?
The Xbox One X is hands down the gaming console with the best graphics card. The Xbox One X graphics card boasts:
- 6 teraflops
- 326 GBps bandwidth
- 12 GB of GDDR5 memory
Yup, all those tech specs make playing your favorite 4K Blu-ray or graphics-rich RPG a breeze.
What’s the best gaming console for non-gamers?
If you’re a non-gamer, the best gaming console really depends on what you want or need. We love these consoles:
- Nintendo 2DS XL — best for portability and price
- PlayStation 4 Slim — best for an expansive and exclusive game library
- Nintendo Switch — best for going from the couch to the car
- NES Classic — best for getting our nostalgia on with ‘80s games
- Xbox One S — best for 4K game and streaming support
What’s better: Xbox One or PS4?
The Xbox One is better for allowing cross-play between it and Windows 10, while the PS4 tends to have a better game library, including exclusive AAA and indie titles. If you want to dive into VR, the PS4’s PSVR system is miles ahead of Xbox too, That said, if you’ve got the cash for the fancier models, the Xbox One X makes a huge performance leap past the PlayStation 4 Pro.
What’s the difference between Xbox One and Xbox One S?
The main difference between the Xbox One and Xbox One S is 4K support: the One S supports 4K Ultra HD and 4K Blu-ray videos. The One S also has a more powerful processor—even though it’s almost half the size of the Xbox One. You’ll also notice the One S comes with an updated controller complete with grippy texture and twice the range of the old Xbox One controller.
Can I play Xbox One games on the Xbox One S?
Cue the cheers because yes, you can play your old Xbox One games on the new Xbox One S (and Xbox One X). That includes all digital downloads and discs, though you’ll need to re-download your old games before you can pick up a controller and play.
Which console is best for streaming video in 4K?
The Xbox One S is the best console for streaming video in 4K. It comes with 4K Ultra HD and 4K Blu-ray support—plus it’ll amp up the graphics with any 4K games too.
What’s the best cheap gaming console?
If you’re looking for a cheap gaming console, we recommend going with the oldies-but-goodies: PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Not only will you pay less for the actual console, but you’ll likely fork over fewer dollars for the games too.
However, if you don’t trust a used console or still want the latest and greatest games, the Xbox One S rings in about $50 cheaper than the PlayStation 4 Slim. And it comes with superb 4K support—not to mention you get to play games like Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Ashen, and Sea of Thieves.
The best gaming laptops—chosen by gamers, for gamers.
Jump to: Gaming Laptops Comparison Table | Specs & Descriptions | Features | FAQs
5 Gaming Laptops for Leveling Up on the Go
Need to get your gaming fix away from home? At a friend’s house? On your couch?
While we usually recommend a desktop for the best gaming experience, you don’t want to lug all that equipment around just to log on and let your ultimate rip through the enemy team.
Best Gaming Laptops
| Model | Processor | Graphics Card | Screen Size | Price* | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alienware 17 R5 | i9-8950HK | GTX 1080 | 17.3" | $$$$ | View on Amazon | |
| MSI GS65 Stealth Thin | i7-8750H | GTX 1070 | 15.6" | $$$ | View on Amazon | |
| Dell G3 15 | i5-8300H | GTX 1050 Ti | 15.6" | $ | View on Amazon | |
| MSI GT75 Titan 4K-071 | i9-8950HK | GTX 1080 | 17.3" | $$$$$ | View on Amazon | |
| Apple MacBook Pro 15” | Intel i7 | Radeon Pro 560X | 15.4" | $$$ | View on Amazon |
| Model | Alienware 17 R5 |
| Processor | i9-8950HK |
| Graphics Card | GTX 1080 |
| Screen Size | 17.3" |
| Price* | $$$$ |
| View on Amazon | |
| Model | MSI GS65 Stealth Thin |
| Processor | i7-8750H |
| Graphics Card | GTX 1070 |
| Screen Size | 15.6" |
| Price* | $$$ |
| View on Amazon | |
| Model | Dell G3 15 |
| Processor | i5-8300H |
| Graphics Card | GTX 1050 Ti |
| Screen Size | 15.6" |
| Price* | $ |
| View on Amazon | |
| Model | MSI GT75 Titan 4K-071 |
| Processor | i9-8950HK |
| Graphics Card | GTX 1080 |
| Screen Size | 17.3" |
| Price* | $$$$$ |
| View on Amazon | |
| Model | Apple MacBook Pro 15” |
| Processor | Intel i7 |
| Graphics Card | Radeon Pro 560X |
| Screen Size | 15.4" |
| Price* | $$$ |
| View on Amazon | |
Heads up—be prepared to spend a pretty penny if you want all the latest tech packed into your gaming laptop.
For example, if you bought them separately, an Intel i9 processor will run you anywhere from $400 to over $1,000, and an NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti graphics card requires you to drop about $1,500. So it’s no wonder high-end gaming laptops cost in the $3,000 to $4,000 range.
Your first kill? Bad internet.
If you’re playing online, you’ll want a killer internet speed to keep up with your gaming hardware. Check out top ISPs in your area.
What’s under the hood of our favorite gaming laptops?
There’s a lot more to consider when choosing your gaming laptop than tech specs.
Sure, an Intel i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card are nice—they’ll let you snipe enemy players in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4.
But while the latest CPU is awesome, battery life, weight, and how that keyboard feels under your fingertips are important factors too.
The Specs
- i9-8950HK
- 6-core
- Up to 5.0 GHz
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080
- 8 GB VRAM
- 256 GB SSD + 1 TB HDD
- 32 GB RAM
- 17.3″ display
- 1920 x 1080
- 9.7 pounds
Alienware is pretty much synonymous with “gaming laptop” and for good reason. Most of our gamer buddies swear by them—one even lugged his old Alienware 18 to Afghanistan and back.
And lugging this behemoth is what you’ll do, too, since it weighs a whopping 9.7 pounds. But honestly, that’s not uncommon for gaming laptops. (If you want something that’s easier on your joints, check out the MSI GS65 Stealth Thin.) With an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card, you can count on high frame rates, even with the settings on “Ultra.” That’s right, push that GPU to the max.
And if you’re all about binding every skill to a key, you’ll be as psyched as we are about the programmable macro keys. We’ll always say yes to more customization.
Pros:
- Great frame rates
- Slightly above average battery life
- Macro keys
Cons:
- A lot of “junk in the trunk”
Runner-Up: Razer Blade 15
We were impressed with the Razer Blade 14, but the Razer 15 is even better. This lightweight gaming laptop comes packed with an Intel i7 CPU and GTX 1060 graphics card and will run you a fairly budget-friendly price as gaming laptops go.
The Specs
- i7-8750H
- 6-core
- 2.2–4.1 GHz
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
- 8 GB VRAM
- Two 512 GB NVMe SSD
- 32 GB RAM
- 15.6″ display
- 1920 x 1080
- 4.14 pounds
If you want a gaming laptop you can travel with for long distances, get something that doesn’t weigh more than five pounds.
This machine fits that bill, weighing in at 4.14 pounds and cutting a slim 0.7-inch figure. There’s no way it won’t slide into your carry-on.
Even with its small size, the Stealth Thin doesn’t skimp on quality. You’ll avoid choppy frame rates with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070, and the i7-8750H puts plenty of processor power at your fingertips.
Another great feature? The Stealth Thin sports a better-than-average battery life. So, even if all the outlet seats are taken, you can still pass your layover burning enemies with Geralt’s Igni spell.
Pros:
- Slim and lightweight construction
- Great battery life
Cons:
- A tendency to run hot
Runner-Up: Asus ZenBook Pro UX550VE
We recommend the Asus ZenBook Pro for travellers with less cash to drop. While it sports only an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti card, it still packs enough punch for a few gaming sessions while you’re on the road. One of our World of Warcraft guildies keeps this four-pound laptop close by when he travels for work.
The Specs
- i5-8300H
- Quad-core
- Up to 4.0 GHz
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
- 4 GB VRAM
- 128 GB SSD + 1 TB HDD
- 8 GB RAM
- 15.6″ display
- 1920 x 1080
- 5.57 pounds
Does price matter more to you than getting the best processor or graphics card? Then you might prefer the Dell G3 15 over our other picks.
This gaming laptop comes in under $1,000, but low price doesn’t mean poor performance here. The Intel i5 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti are more than enough to keep up with your teammates as you ready, aim, fire to grab that “winner, winner, chicken dinner” in PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.
Plus, the Dell G3 15 lets you boost the solid state drive to a much roomier 256 GB for about an extra $100. And it still earns a “best affordable gaming laptop” title—even with that upgrade thrown in.
Pros:
- Superb CPU performance
- Good setup for budget gamers
Cons:
- Flimsy construction
- Short battery life
Runner-Up: HP Pavilion 15
Another winner in the under $1,000 bracket is the HP Pavilion 15. Trust us on this—HP has come a long way from the early 2000s. Our first HP was a giant, proudly displaying a Windows 98 sticker. But those days are long gone now. The main difference between the HP and the Dell? The HP comes with a (less popular) AMD Radeon graphics card. We don’t recommend AMD over Intel, but if you’re cutting costs, it’ll do you just fine.
The Specs
- i9-8950HK
- 6-core
- 2.9–4.8 GHz
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080
- 8 GB VRAM
- Two 512 GB NVMe SSD + 1 TB HDD
- 32 GB RAM
- 17.3″ display
- 3840 x 2160
- 10.1 pounds
Got the money to do some serious splurging on a gaming laptop? We’re jealous.
If we ever won the lottery, we’d treat ourselves to the MSI GT75 Titan. This monster of a gaming laptop comes loaded with an i9 processor and GTX 1080 graphics card. We’re not hyperventilating. You’re hyperventilating.
That top-notch hardware delivers some amazing frame rates and processing speeds. And MSI didn’t skimp on the mechanical keyboard either. You can happily click-clack your keys into the wee hours of the night, nabbing those Overwatch plays of the game until the cows come home.
Pros:
- G-sync
- Mechanical keyboard
Cons:
- A weight that’s a few pounds more than the average newborn baby
- Short battery life
The Specs
- Intel Core i7
- 6-core
- 2.6–4.3 GHz
- Radeon Pro 560X
- 4 GB VRAM
- 512 GB SSD
- 16 GB RAM
- 15.4″ retina display
- 2880 x 1800
- 4 pounds
We never thought we’d see the day when a MacBook made the list for best gaming laptops, but hey, here it is.
Sure, Apple is well-known for delivering machines that kick butt in terms of graphics and pure processing power. And nowadays more and more games will run natively on Apple’s OS. Our gaming buddy Mike says he has almost 500 games in his Steam library, and about a quarter of them run natively on the Mac. Not bad.
To game on your Mac, you’ll want a dedicated graphics card. That comes standard on the 15-inch models like this MacBook Pro. Pair that graphics card with an Intel i7 processor, and you’ll get smooth performance even when you’re about to blow your cooldowns in World of Warcraft’s Uldir raid.
Pros:
- Rich graphics
- A weight that won’t strain your muscles
- Updated keyboard
Cons:
- Only Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
- High price for not a lot of gaming power
What to Look For in a Gaming Laptop
You can easily spend a few thousand dollars on a new gaming laptop, but do you really need to?
Depending on what games you’re playing, you can save some cash on lower-end specs. Here’s what we recommend:
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
A good graphics card, or GPU, will make gaming a more enjoyable experience with high frame rates. You’ll want a GPU with at least 4 GB of its own dedicated video memory, or VRAM.
Just Good Enough
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050: A 1050 or 1050 Ti is more than capable with your graphics sliders set in the middle. But if you’re playing graphics-intensive, top-of-the-line games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, you’ll be disappointed.
Mainstream
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060: If you’re gaming at 1920 x 1080, a 1060 will still let you experience the detailed world of games like Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, all the way down to Geralt’s flowing white locks.
Hardcore
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070/1080: Open up your settings and put everything on “Ultra.” The 1070 will save you about $100 over the 1080 and still grind out silky frame rates and visual details. But if you’re looking for maximum frame rates while you play Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, get the 1080.
Display: 1920 x 1080
Don’t waste all that money you just poured into a dope graphics card. Make sure your resolution is up to par and comes with a refresh rate of at least 120 Hz.
Recommended Resolution
- Just Good Enough: 1920 x 1080
- Mainstream: 2560 x 1440
- Hardcore (Optimized for 4K): 3840 x 2160
At the same time, if you’re planning on stuffing your new gaming laptop into your suitcase for some on-the-go PvP, a huge screen might cause some issues. Of course, 13–14 inches is best if you travel a lot, but a 15-, 17-, or 18-inch screen is still portable enough to take on the plane.
Solid State Drive/Hard Drive
You need a solid state drive (SSD), hands down. These come stacked with exceptional file-transfer speeds, so your games load faster. Plus, they have no moving parts so they’re more durable—a must-have for travel.
At a minimum, a 256 GB SSD is all right. If you can up that to 512 GB of storage, you’re even better off. But be prepared to fork over a sizeable amount of cash.
| Solid State Drive (SSD) | Hard Drive (HDD) |
|---|---|
| ✓ Fast file-transfer speeds | ✓ Lower price |
| ✓ Better durability | ✗ Slower load times |
| ✗ Higher price |
Your best bet is to grab a gaming laptop that pairs an SSD with a hard drive (HDD). This setup gives you more than enough room for photos, videos, and other files that don’t need quick load speeds on the HDD, while your operating system, games, and other files that benefit from those snappy speeds will go on your SSD.
Processor: Intel Core i7
Your processor, or CPU, is the workhorse for anything not graphics-related, like in-game physics and NPCs. Plus, a good CPU will keep your operating system, web browser, and other applications running smoothly.
Recommended CPUs for Gaming Laptops
- Just Good Enough: You shouldn’t get anything less than an Intel Core i5.
- Mainstream: Go for an Intel Core i7—preferably a quad-core. (Quad-core CPUs end with HQ or HK.)
- Hardcore: For the best of the best, shell out for an Intel Core i9.
Don’t forget to look at the clock speed too. Higher numbers are better—all our recommended laptops for gaming go up to at least 4 GHz.
Memory: 8 GB
We recommend getting at least 8 GB of RAM. For even better performance, 16 GB should do it. If you want more than that, 32 GB should be more than enough.
Congrats! Your gaming laptop just titanforged.
Sure, gaming laptops will cost you a pretty penny. But if you’re on the road a lot or just can’t stand sitting at a desk for hours at a time, carrying your games with you is worth it.
Because we all know layovers and that two hours to kill before your next class are just the worst—especially if you can’t grind experience on your desktop PC.
FAQs
Which laptop brand is best for gaming?
MSI gaming laptops are some of the best. In fact, two of our picks here are MSI—the GS65 Stealth Thin and GT75 Titan. Aside from the Titan, which is completely decked out, we find MSI laptops are a great bang for your buck.
Other high-rated gaming laptop brands we recommend include Alienware, Razer, and Asus.
Are Apple laptops any good?
Apple laptops are great for graphics-intensive applications like Photoshop and video editing software like Premiere Pro. For gaming, a MacBook should have enough juice for mid-tier games like League of Legends.
Just know that you’ll spend the same amount for an Apple laptop as you would for a better-equipped Windows gaming laptop. Choose your allegiance carefully.
What are good cheap laptops for gaming?
If that $1,000+ price range is simply out of the question, here are some affordable gaming laptops you can find for less than a grand on Amazon.
Cheap Gaming Laptops Under $1,000
Keep in mind, if you want to play some of the newer titles, like Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, you’re probably looking at spending $1,000 or more.
Jump to: Gaming PCs Comparison Table | PC Descriptions | Features & Peripherals | FAQs
Step into the future with a new Gaming PC.
From exploring open-world landscapes in 4K Ultra HD to reveling in the magic of virtual reality (VR), you need a powerful machine to truly experience the today’s top-end games. And there’s nothing that will hold you back more than noob equipment.
So, if you’re tired of getting pwnd, it might be time to level up to one of these high-powered gaming desktops, or learn to build your own gaming PC.
Best PCs for Gaming
Specs and Features Comparison
| Model | Processor (CPU) | Graphics Card (GPU) | Memory (RAM) | Price | Order online | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CORSAIR ONE ELITE | Intel Core i7 8700K | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti (11GB) | 32 GB 2.7 GHz | $$$$ | View on Amazon | |
| Dell Alienware Aurora R7 VR | Intel Core i7 8700K | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 (8 GB) | 16 GB 2.7 GHz | $$$ | View on Amazon | |
| ZOTAC MEK1 | Intel Core i7-7700 | ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1070 Ti (8 GB) | 16 GB 2.4 GHz | $$ | View on Amazon | |
| Dell XPS Tower Special Edition 8930 | Intel Core i7-8700 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6 GB) | 16 GB 2.7 GHz | $ | View on Amazon | |
| CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR | Intel Core i5-8400 | AMD Radeon RX 580 (8 GB) | 8 GB 3 GHz | $ | View on Amazon |
| Model | CORSAIR ONE ELITE |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i7 8700K |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti (11GB) |
| Memory (RAM) | 32 GB 2.7 GHz |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Order online | View on Amazon |
| Model | Dell Alienware Aurora R7 VR |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i7 8700K |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 (8 GB) |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB 2.7 GHz |
| Price | $$$ |
| Order online | View on Amazon |
| Model | ZOTAC MEK1 |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i7-7700 |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1070 Ti (8 GB) |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB 2.4 GHz |
| Price | $$ |
| Order online | View on Amazon |
| Model | Dell XPS Tower Special Edition 8930 |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i7-8700 |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6 GB) |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB 2.7 GHz |
| Price | $ |
| Order online | View on Amazon |
| Model | CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i5-8400 |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | AMD Radeon RX 580 (8 GB) |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB 3 GHz |
| Price | $ |
| Order online | View on Amazon |
As you can see, gaming PCs aren’t exactly cheap. And if you don’t already have a monitor, you’ll need to factor that into your budget as well. The prices listed in our chart don’t include monitors, which also have a huge effect on your gaming experience.
See our recommended gaming monitors post for help choosing the best one for you.
The PCs
There’s nothing ancient about this list—all the PCs we recommend come VR-ready and pre-loaded with Windows 10 operating systems. That’s the big stuff. But it’s the differences in the small stuff that will help you decide which one is best for you. Let’s dive in a little deeper so you can choose your gaming rig wisely.
- Intel Core i7 8700K
- 6 core
- 4.7 GHz
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti graphics card
- 1.3 TFLOPS
- 11 GB GDDR5X VRAM
- 32 GB of RAM, 2.7 GHz
This machine is a powerhouse. With the CORSAIR ONE ELITE, you can take on serious games at full capacity. Its processing power and graphical capabilities run notoriously demanding games like Crysis 3 and Batman: Arkham Knight on the highest settings.
While this PC performs like a race car, it runs quieter than a whisper. With running noise virtually eliminated, you remain fully immersed in the game without being distracted by the unending hum you get with many other powerful machines.
The downside is that you’ll have to pay for all that power. It’s almost twice the price of the other PCs we recommend. But if you want the best hardware to run the best games, go with the CORSAIR ONE ELITE. It certainly gives you what you pay for.
Pros:
- Amazingly powerful
- Easily upgradeable
- Unbelievably quiet
Cons:
- May have to sell your car to afford it
- Intel Core i7 8700K
- 6 cores
- 4.7 GHz
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card
- 9 TFLOPS
- 8 GB GDDR5X VRAM
- 16 GB of RAM
The Alienware Aurora has the power to run current high-end games and the flexibility to upgrade for games of the future. It has nearly as much power as the CORSAIR ONE but for a fraction of the cost. While its graphics card is slightly less powerful, this entire machine was designed for versatility, so it’s something you could upgrade down the line.
The innovative design of the Alienware Aurora lets you access your motherboard and card slots—no screwdriver required. And it’s built to standard specs to make plug-and-play upgrades simple. It even has a built-in swinging arm to keep them securely in place.
We list a slightly smaller storage capacity as a con here, but it’s still 1 TB, so it won’t be an issue that affects most gamers. The storage has nothing to do with functionality, but if it’s too low, you can’t store quite as many games at once. Again, this won’t be a problem for the average gamer.
For a pro-level gaming PC you can improve upon going forward, get the Alienware Aurora R7.
Pros:
- Pro-gamer quality
- Toolless access to motherboard and card slots
- Easy to upgrade
Cons:
- Slightly smaller storage capacity than some machines
- Intel Core i7-7700
- 4 cores
- 4.2GHz
- ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1070 Ti graphics card
- 7.8 TFLOPS
- 8 GB GDDR5
- 16 GB of RAM
With a design inspired by robotics and offering multiple lighting options, the ZOTAC MEK1 has the look you want for your gaming command center. But don’t let the good looks fool you—this pretty boy packs a punch.
While the MEK1 processor has only four cores as opposed to six like the other machines we recommend, it still has enough power to run top-end games at high resolution. You can crush some noobs or take on the pros and look good doing both.
Get ready for the future of gaming with a machine that looks like it’s already been there, the ZOTAC MEK1. It will have you feeling like a winner before you even turn it on.
Pros:
- Cool futuristic design
- Mouse and keyboard included
Cons:
- Slightly less powerful components
- Intel Core i7-8700
- 6 cores
- 4.6 GHz
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card
- 4.4 TFLOPS
- 6 GB GDDR5 VRAM
- 16 GB of RAM
If you want a good computer but don’t want to drop a lot of cash, this is the computer for you. The Dell XPS Tower Special Edition has the power to run most games and costs a fraction of what other top-end gaming PCs do.
The main difference between this computer and the others we recommend is that its graphics card has 6 GB instead of 8 GB or more. But you can still run graphics-heavy games like Grand Theft Auto V on machines with 2 GB video cards.
You might have issues if the next generation of games is more demanding though. And with VR becoming more affordable and popular, that will be the case. But, you can easily upgrade the XPS Tower Special Edition with more powerful graphics cards when the time comes.
Pros:
- More affordable than higher-end options
- Powerful processor for top-end gaming
Cons:
- Slightly slower graphics card
- Intel Core i5-8400
- 6 cores
- 2.8 GHz
- AMD Radeon RX 580 graphics card
- 6.2 TFLOPS
- 8 GB GDDR5 VRAM
- 8 GB of RAM
Priced to appeal to everyone, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme is perfect for gamers who would rather spend their cash on more games. If you’re looking to test the PC-gaming waters, this machine is a great low-cost entry point that also happens to look pretty sweet. Don’t worry about the low price bringing low performance—it won’t. Most of the hardware on the Gamer Xtreme is comparable to computers that cost twice as much.
The Gamer Xtreme doesn’t have the RAM of the more expensive PCs, so if you want to run the most demanding games on the highest settings, you’ll want to buck up for a more powerful PC. But the Gamer Xtreme will do the trick for most games.
Casual gamers, retro-gamers, and noobs newbies should take advantage of the Gamer Xtreme. You’ll get plenty of power for the majority of games without a huge investment up-front.
Pros:
- Lowest price on our list
- Mouse and keyboard included
Cons:
- Slightly lower RAM
What to Look For in a Gaming Desktop
Don’t worry if all this technical jargon is overwhelming. There are a lot of details that go into how well a computer runs complex games. Here are the most important things to know so you don’t get pwnd before you start.
Processor (CPU) Speed
The processor performs the rapid calculations that make a computer work. It’s essentially the brain of the computer. Several factors affect processing speed, but the number of cores it has is a big one. Usually the more cores, the faster the processor, but there are exceptions.
Processing speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). Generally speaking, computers with faster processors (more GHz) can perform more tasks at a quicker rate, which is exactly what you’re looking for to run big, beautiful games.
That was the simplified explanation of a processor. For a more detailed explanation of the relationship between your CPU and your gaming experience, check out “How Much Does Your CPU Matter When Gaming in 2018?”
Graphics Card/Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
There are three basic measurements to look for in a graphics processor: FLOPS, video memory (video buffer), and speed in GHz. As with any processor, generally more is better.
FLOPS: FLOPS is short for floating operations per second. It’s an indication of how efficient a graphics processor is. Some brands of graphics cards don’t list FLOPS, but there’s a formula for figuring it out. Fortunately, several third-party comparison sites calculate FLOPS and publish them, so you can usually find what you need. This number can get large, which is why you’ll sometimes see FLOPS listed as GFLOPS (a million FLOPS) or TFLOPS (a trillion FLOPS).
Video Memory: Video memory (VRAM), sometimes called video buffering, is RAM stored on your video card that’s designated for video processing. More video memory generally means you can run games at a higher resolution. The clarity of high-resolution graphics can be the difference between seeing the game world and being immersed in it.
Clock Speed: Clock speed is essentially the tempo of a processor. Think of it as how often the computer is ready for the next task. For most computer programs, the clock speed moves quickly enough to be unnoticeable, but some games will struggle if it’s too slow. Games that require huge amounts of graphical information changing by the microsecond can overload a weak processor. With gaming computers, you have two clock speeds to think about: your CPU clock speed and your GPU clock speed.
Random-Access Memory (RAM)
Random-access memory (RAM) is a 2013 Daft Punk album the physical location a computer stores data during processing. Gaming computers do a lot of processing, so they need a lot of RAM. If your computer doesn’t have enough RAM, your processor may be forced to work harder to keep up. Overworking a processor can cause it to overheat and damage your chipset.
So . . . don’t skimp on the RAM.
Peripherals
Monitor: Your computer monitor can have a significant effect on your gaming experience. The main thing to look for in a monitor is a high frame rate or refresh rate. See our best monitors for gaming for the specifics.
Mouse: A gaming mouse can range anywhere from a standard two-button mouse with a scroll wheel to a bulky, button-laden ball of intimidation that never quite fits your hand. Put practicality first.
Go with something that tracks your movements well and feels comfortable in your hand. Try before you buy if you can.
How many buttons you need and whether they need to be static or programmable depends entirely on the games you intend to play. Check if your game has suggestions for the best type of mouse to use.
Keyboard: You can find keyboards specifically designed for gaming, but this is more of a luxury than a necessity. Some gaming keyboards, like this one-handed model, can get extreme.
A standard keyboard will do the job for most games. If you play a lot of keyboard-intensive games, you may want to find something ergonomic just so it’s comfortable. It’ll also help you avoid repetitive-use injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Unconventional models may give you a slight advantage in some games, but you’ll also likely experience a learning curve when you start using them. Be prepared to get worse before you get better.
Controllers and Joysticks: Many games designed for PCs don’t require extra controllers, but if you’re using an emulator to play console games on your computer, you will enjoy them much more if you have a console-type controller or joystick.
You can find several PC controllers (like this one) that are designed like console controllers. There are also online guides that show how to get your actual Xbox One, PlayStation 3, or PlayStation 4 controllers to work with your PC.
Virtual Reality (VR) Interface: All the computers we recommend in this article come VR-ready, but you still need a VR interface to participate in any virtual reality experience. The two most popular VR interfaces for gaming are the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive. Virtual reality is still new, but prices will become more affordable as the technology improves.
Congratulations! You leveled up.
- Intelligence +1
- New ability unlocked: PC Purchase Power
You are now empowered to buy your gaming PC. You know what to look for and which options are the best. Now it’s time to get your equipment and prepare for raid night.
Pro Tip: If you plan to game online, you need a reliable internet connection with good download speed and decent upload speed. Worried your connection might not make the cut? Enter your zip code to see internet providers in your area.
FAQs about Gaming Computers
What is the best gaming PC brand?
The CORSAIR ONE series has the best specs. Alienware, a branch of Dell, has several affordable, high-powered models with good reviews. MSI also has several good gaming PCs, although it didn’t have a model that stood out enough for us to recommend it.
What are the specs for a good gaming computer?
Here are the minimum recommended specs for gaming PCs:
| Most Games | Top Games at Full Settings | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed | 2.5 GHz | 4 GHz | |
| TFLOPS | 1.75 | 3.5 | |
| VRAM | 2 GB | 4 GB | |
| GPU Speed | 800 MHz | 1.25 GHz | |
| RAM | 6 GB | 12 GB |
How much does a decent gaming PC cost?
The gaming PCs we recommend start at around $700.00, but you can find some decent machines for less than that. Be aware that cheaper computers tend to have weaker hardware. They may run the games you like now, but they could quickly become obsolete—especially as VR grows in popularity.
Jump to: Best Gaming Monitors Table | Monitor Descriptions | Features to Look For | FAQs
A picture is worth a thousand words (and points).
Nothing kills the gaming experience like a bad monitor. (Well, except for maybe a crappy internet connection.) Lagging input, a choppy picture, and low resolution can make even the most powerful gaming PC feel like a dinosaur. So what’s a gamer to do? You don’t want to buy the first gaming monitor you meet—that could lead to trouble.
With gaming monitors, there’s a skin for every player. The trouble comes in figuring out which one is the best for you. The good news is that whether you’re looking for the cheapest option for gaming or the best option for 4K, we’ve got a monitor for that. Check out our rankings to get the experience you want and the performance you need to stay in the game.
The Best Monitors for Gaming
| Model | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Response Time | Screen Size | Price | Get It | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q | 1440p Quad HD | 165Hz | 4ms | 27" | $$$$ | View on Amazon | |
| ASUS VG248QE | 1080p Full HD | 144Hz | 1ms | 24" | $$ | View on Amazon | |
| AOC Agon AG352UCG | 1440p Quad HD | 100Hz | 4ms | 35" | $$$$$ | View on Amazon | |
| ASUS VG245H | 1080p Full HD | 75Hz | 1ms | 24" | $$ | View on Amazon | |
| Acer Predator XB321HK | 4K Ultra HD | 60Hz | 4ms | 32" | $$$$$$ | View on Amazon |
| Model | ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q |
| Resolution | 1440p Quad HD |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz |
| Response Time | 4ms |
| Screen Size | 27" |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Get It | View on Amazon |
| Model | ASUS VG248QE |
| Resolution | 1080p Full HD |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Screen Size | 24" |
| Price | $$ |
| Get It | View on Amazon |
| Model | AOC Agon AG352UCG |
| Resolution | 1440p Quad HD |
| Refresh Rate | 100Hz |
| Response Time | 4ms |
| Screen Size | 35" |
| Price | $$$$$ |
| Get It | View on Amazon |
| Model | ASUS VG245H |
| Resolution | 1080p Full HD |
| Refresh Rate | 75Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Screen Size | 24" |
| Price | $$ |
| Get It | View on Amazon |
| Model | Acer Predator XB321HK |
| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Response Time | 4ms |
| Screen Size | 32" |
| Price | $$$$$$ |
| Get It | View on Amazon |
Data current as of 10/24/18. Pricing and features subject to change.
The Monitors
If you’ve been playing on a medieval monitor for far too long, get ready to be blown away. These gaming monitors aren’t for noobs. They offer next-level picture quality and response time for optimal gaming performance. Now you finally have an excuse to break up with the Dark Ages.
ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q
- Resolution: 1440p Quad HD
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 4ms
- Screen Size: 27″
- Price: $$$$$
- G-Sync/FreeSync Compatible: G-Sync
Our pick for best overall gaming monitor balances picture quality with a fast refresh rate and response time to deliver a performance of champions. The size is just right at 27 inches—not too large but not too small. And while the resolution isn’t the highest, it might actually be better in this case: more graphics cards can handle this resolution while still delivering good frame rates.
Pros:
- Great balance of size, resolution, and response time
- Extremely fast refresh rate
- Excellent picture quality
Cons:
- Big price tag
- Some quality control issues
ASUS VG248QE
- Resolution: 1080p Full HD
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Screen Size: 24″
- Price: $$
- G-Sync/FreeSync Compatible: No
For PC gamers who don’t want to drop a lot of cash on a screen, it’s tough to beat the VG248QE from ASUS. It gives you enough bells and whistles without draining your funds. The fast refresh rate combined with a lower 1080p resolution and blazing 1ms response time makes for a picture that shows your every move without a glitch. The only major feature it’s lacking is G-Sync, or FreeSync, technology, but that’s easy to forgive at this price.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Low response time
- Very fast refresh rate
Cons:
- Smaller screen compared to the competition
- Lacks NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync technology
AOC Agon AG352UCG
- Resolution: 1440p Quad HD
- Refresh Rate: 100Hz
- Response Time: 4ms
- Screen Size: 35″
- Price: $$$$$
- G-Sync/FreeSync Compatible: G-Sync
If you need a big, bold, ultra-widescreen monitor built with gamers in mind, look no further than this curved model from AOC. Curved models claim you’ll feel more immersed in the gaming experience and that the screen will feel deeper. Depending on the game you’re playing, this could really bring it to life. But 2D games like Stardew Valley? They’ll probably look about the same.
It also packs some nice gamer-focused conveniences, like a foldout headset holder and carrying handle. If you haven’t realized it by now, this monitor was clearly designed for the most committed of gamers. The only catch is that all these features add up to a pretty hefty price tag, but if you’re willing to pay, there’s no question you’ll enjoy it.
Not sure if a curved screen is right for you? Get more details below.
Pros:
- Gorgeous ultra-wide curved screen
- High resolution
- Convenient features for gamers, like headset holders
Cons:
- Costs quite a lot
- Has a refresh rate that’s lower than many others in this list
ASUS VG245H
- Resolution: 1080p Full HD
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Screen Size: 24″
- Price: $$
- G-Sync/FreeSync Compatible: FreeSync
Console gaming monitors are different than PC monitors in that many consoles are capped at 1080p resolution and 60Hz refresh rates. (Except for the Xbox One X, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch—they’re in a league of their own. Check out our best gaming monitor for 4K below if you have one of those consoles).
If you’re using the monitor for other things besides gaming, you may want better specs, but for a console-specific monitor, there’s no reason to spend more on features you can’t use (unless you plan on upgrading to a 4K gaming system soon). Similar to PC monitors, a great console monitor has accurate colors, a clear picture, and a fast response time. This ASUS monitor does the job perfectly, and the price is among the lowest on our list. In fact, it’s probably the best gaming monitor under $200.00. Our only potential complaint is that it’s a bit small—depending on how far away you like to sit, you might want something larger.
Why buy a monitor for console games instead of just using your TV? Well, it comes down to responsiveness. TVs aren’t going to offer the types of refresh rates and response times you need for competitive gaming. Plus, monitors are usually more portable and affordable.
Pros:
- Affordable price (under $200)
- Excellent customer ratings
- Fast response time
Cons:
- Lower 1080p resolution
- Slightly small for some console games
Acer Predator XB321HK
- Resolution: 4K Ultra HD
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 4ms
- Screen Size: 32″
- Price: $$$$$$
- G-Sync/FreeSync Compatible: G-Sync
Acer’s Predator line delivers some top-notch gaming accessories and a beautiful display that just keeps going and going and going . . . just be prepared to pay for it. With a price tag that high, there’s not much that falls short with this monitor. But if you have an Xbox One X, PlayStation 4, or Nintendo Switch, you need this monitor. It will give your 4K system graphics the justice they deserve.
Also, keep in mind that while we listed the 60Hz refresh rate as a con, it’s not a huge deal because there aren’t many graphics cards that can output 4K faster than 60 frames per second. In fact, few can even handle it above 30 FPS.
If you want something a little smaller (and more affordable), check out the Acer Predator XB271HK. This is the little brother to the XB321HK, with a 27-inch screen and basically identical specs.
Pros:
- Incredibly sharp 4K display
- Great size
- Good response time
- Compatibility with newest consoles
Cons:
- Super expensive
- Limited to 60Hz refresh rate
What to Look For in a Gaming Monitor
While any monitor will technically work for gaming, some specs and features have a bigger impact on gameplay than others. Gaming monitors are built with these needs in mind.
Resolution
For a standard monitor used for everyday tasks like web browsing or Netflix, higher resolution is almost always better. When it comes to optimizing game performance, though, that’s not always the case.
Higher resolutions are very taxing on hardware, and pushing higher than your graphics card or processor can handle often results in low frame rates and games that look more like slideshows, which not only ruins the experience but can also cause a significant disadvantage in online gaming.
For a gaming monitor, look for a minimum of 1080p resolution. These are affordable and fairly sharp. Whether or not you can go higher, like 1440p (Quad HD) or 4K (Ultra HD), depends on your graphics card and how well it can push all those pixels.
Unless you have a new setup like the Xbox One X, PlayStation 4, or Nintendo Switch, a setup that can reliably keep up at 4K resolution is rare.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a monitor is pretty straightforward. The image on a screen is actually not a smooth video—instead, it’s a series of frames, like an old-school movie reel. The refresh rate is how quickly the monitor can refresh the image on the screen by moving to the next frame.
Some common refresh rates you might see are 60Hz, 120Hz, and 240Hz. Higher refresh rates are generally always better, but there are a couple caveats:
- The refresh rate is limited by the maximum frame rate of your source material. For example, most movies are capped at 24 frames per second (FPS), so even with a 120Hz monitor, you won’t see more than 24 FPS with that media.
- Not everyone notices much of a difference in refresh rates after a certain point. The jump from 30Hz to 60Hz is typically massive and makes a huge difference in your viewing and gaming experience. The jump from 60Hz to 120Hz is also usually large, though not as noticeable for everyone. The jump from 120Hz to 240Hz can actually be hard to see, even though it seems like the biggest difference on paper. Just be aware of that before you commit to spending more money for a high refresh rate.
Response Time
Response time is often confused with refresh rate and input lag because it sounds similar on the surface, but it actually refers to the speed at which the monitor can turn a pixel on and off, or from white to black. That’s it.
The lower the response time, the better.
A lower response time means the monitor is taking less time to adjust the pixels. The result of a poor response time is image ghosting, where afterimages take a moment to clear off the screen, which results in generally worse picture quality. With response time, 5 milliseconds (ms) is a good number to shoot for, though many monitors now offer 1ms response times
Input Lag Time
Input lag is one of the most important specs you should be looking for in a gaming monitor. Input lag is basically the delay between when the monitor receives a signal and when that signal gets displayed on the screen. This comes into play (pun totally intended) when you press a button on your controller, mouse, or keyboard.
Compatibility
Generally speaking, any monitor is compatible with any computer, provided the ports match up. The only thing to really watch out for is whether your graphics card can use the monitor to its full potential. If your monitor can display a 4K picture, but your graphics card only outputs 1080p (or the other way around), the lower number will be used—1080p in this case. Moral of the story? If you have an older gaming system, don’t waste money on a high-definition display.
Ports
Consider what ports you need in a monitor. For the most part, this is just the connection that you’ll use to send a picture from your computer to the screen. There are essentially three options here:
- HDMI
- DisplayPort
- DVI
HDMI is the most common and convenient. DisplayPort is also pretty popular, especially among the professional crowd. It allows you to connect multiple monitors with just one port on the computer.
DVI is an older standard. Many newer computers don’t include it, although a lot of monitors still do. DVI is capped at 60Hz and 2560 x 1600 resolution, so it won’t work with modern 4K displays. There are adapters on the market. So if you do end up needing to use a DVI port on a monitor or computer, you shouldn’t have any trouble. Just make sure any new devices you buy have either HDMI or DisplayPort on them because that’s the future from here on out.
Screen Size
Screen size is pretty straightforward—it’s the size of your monitor. Bigger is not always better. If your screen will be close to you and you need to see everything on the screen to play well, a huge monitor probably isn’t what you want.
Curved Monitors vs. Flat Monitors
There’s some debate about whether curved monitors are better, worse, or just different from their flat-screen counterparts. It boils down to this: curved screens can offer a more immersive experience but suffer from additional glare and distortion at certain angles. To learn more about curved monitors, check out this detailed overview.
FAQs about Gaming Monitors
Buying a new gaming monitor is a big commitment—after all, you’re going to spend a lot of time with this fella. So it’s understandable to still have some lingering questions. Hopefully this section clears them up for you.
What type of monitor is best for gaming?
Any monitor with fast refresh rates and response times is good for gaming. A low input lag time doesn’t hurt either. Resolution is important, but secondary—in fact, you may want to opt for a lower resolution to improve performance if you have an older or low-powered graphics card.
What’s the best 4K monitor for gaming?
If your gaming rig can handle 4K, we recommend the Acer Predator XB321HK or it’s more affordable, smaller counterpart, the Acer Predator XB271HK.
There are also several nice ASUS 4K gaming monitors. Our favorite is probably the ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQ. This is a 27-inch 4K monitor with a 4ms response time and all the fancy capabilities you’d expect.
If you’re upgrading your monitor, be sure to upgrade your gaming system as well. Here are the best 4K systems currently on the market:
What’s the best cheap gaming monitor?
Our pick for best budget gaming monitor is the ASUS VG248QE. But there are plenty of other solid options on the market for a price that won’t knock the wind out of you.
More of the Best Gaming Monitors Under $200.00
What’s the best gaming PC?
In general, the best gaming PC is one you build yourself. It costs less this way, and you can tailor it to the specs you need and the budget you’re working with. If that sounds like more work than you want, there are a few good (but expensive) prebuilt options available:
Check out our guide to the best gaming PCs for more details on what to look for.
Is a 5ms response time good for gaming?
In short, 5ms is decent. For the best possible experience, you want 1ms, or as close as you can get to that as possible. However, keep in mind that at a certain point your ability to physically interact with the game and computer will limit how useful faster response times and input lag will be for you.
You’ve probably heard ISPs promoting a bandwidth tier as “fast enough for online gaming.” There’s no doubt you need a faster connection for gaming than you do for basic browsing, email and social media, but how fast is fast enough?
Getting playable, let alone enjoyable, online gaming speeds isn’t all about download bandwidth. Upload speeds and especially latency play a big part, as does the kinds of games that you play; multiplayer games have specific demands that may not be satisfied by simply upgrading to a more costly tier.
The Ups and Downs of Bandwidth
Don’t get the idea that download speeds aren’t important. With more bandwidth comes faster loading, especially of graphical and map elements. If you’re playing Counter-Strike or Ultima Online, nearly any broadband connection is going to give you plenty of bandwidth to spare. But with modern games like Call of Duty: Ghosts or even World of Warcraft, a lot of background data has to be sent and updated throughout the course of a gaming session. And keep in mind that your ISP’s quote is for maximum (i.e., not guaranteed) bandwidth — a 5 Mbps connection may seem like plenty of bandwidth, but in practice you may be regularly getting half of that, or less. So with Xbox Live recommending at least 3 Mbps, you can be sure that a 3 Mbps connection will always be too slow, and your 5-6 Mbps connection may struggle just to reach the minimum.
Most Internet connections are asymmetrical, meaning that the download bandwidth is much greater than the upload bandwidth. On average, upload speed is about half of download speed, chiefly because consumer Internet technology was developed to serve a “passive” market — one that was far more interested in getting stuff off the Internet than getting things onto it. That was fine when text chat was the only communication option in multiplayer games, but modern multiplayer gaming usually requires constant and reliable real-time digital audio communication. So don’t neglect upload speeds when shopping for a gaming ISP.
Latency, Lag, Ping
Bandwidth is important, but it’s only half of the speed equation. Latency and lag refer to the time that it takes for your input to register. Latency is the central concern for anybody who plays fast-paced FPS games, whether it’s Counter-Strike or Battlefield 4. Lag is also of major importance for real-time strategy games like StarCraft II and MMORPGS like Warcraft and Knights of the Old Republic. The only genres not much affected by latency are turn-based strategy games and RPGs, but these only make up a small percentage of online multiplayer games.
You get some local lag from your gaming setup, including controller lag (from gamepads, keyboards and mice) and lag from Wi-Fi networks, long Ethernet connections, HDTV video processing, or possibly a PC in need of fine-tuning or upgrade. However, Internet-based latency is of much wider concern, partly because you have so little control over it; gamers can minimize local lag by fine-tuning their setup, but there’s only so much you can do to reduce the latency that shows up in that “first hop” between your home and the closest ISP node. For example, satellite connections are notoriously laggy — every button or key that you press has to make a 22,000 mile trip into space and back, and no amount of bandwidth is going to make it any faster.
Checking your latency on that “first hop” is easy — a networking utility called “ping” is built into nearly every network-connected device to check the response time between your machine and any given IP address. Although the words have technically distinct definitions, ping has become functionally synonymous with “lag” and “latency” (e.g., “what’s your ping?”). Windows and Linux users can simply open a command box to run a quick ping test, while Mac users and console gamers need to delve more deeply into their utilities menus to find the ping function.
What’s an acceptable latency? There are no hard and fast rules. The human nervous system is thought to be sensitive to response times as low as 10 – 20ms, with 50ms being the generally accepted threshold of responses seeming “instantaneous” to the online player. Most sources agree that latency of 80ms or lower is ideal, and that gameplay becomes tangibly frustrating somewhere between 150 – 200ms.
Xbox Live recommends a minimum of 3 Mbps bandwidth down (0.5 Mbps up), and a maximum lag of 150 ms. Microsoft admits that these numbers are a bottom-line minimum for a “certified” experience, and frankly anything above 150 ms will make you a multiplayer liability in a fast-paced game. Xbox Live, like many online services, dynamically adjusts server response times to compensate for different player latencies — which sounds nice, but what it actually means is that the entire team is forced to game at the speed of the player with the biggest lag. If everybody else is hopping with 50-80 ms and you jump on with 100-150ms, they’ll definitely notice the slowdown.
If you’re looking for a provider or Internet plan that will best serve your online multiplayer gaming needs, your best bet is to look at the minimum recommendations for the games that you want to play. Don’t worry too much about the download speeds, as you can always upgrade them, but as long as you can measure your connection in Megabits per second, your primary focus should be on latency. A bit of research and comparison with fellow players in your area will pay off in smooth frame rates, fluid communications, and uninterrupted fragging.
Photo: Steve Petrucelli Find John on Google+
