If you're rocking an AMD video card in your computer and have noticed tearing while gaming, it's time to grab yourself a FreeSync monitor. FreeSync allows your AMD graphics card to control the refresh rate of your monitor, so that it's in sync with the frame rate of the game, giving you a much smoother and better gaming experience. Most current AMD video cards support FreeSync, but it's always smart to double check before investing into a new monitor.

What is FreeSync?

FreeSync is a form of adaptive sync technology developed by AMD to deliver dynamic refresh rates—it's AMD's version of NVIDIA's G-SYNC. FreeSync however, is free-to-use, making FreeSync monitors generally much more affordable than G-SYNC monitors. Like G-SYNC, FreeSync helps get rid of stuttering and tearing by syncing the refresh rate of the monitor to the Radeon video card. This also helps reduce input latency.

FreeSync is also available with Xbox One consoles, so you can also use a FreeSync monitor to get a better gaming experience with your console.




1. Our Pick: Gigabyte AORUS AD27QD



This monitor from Gigabyte's AORUS sub-brand checks all the boxes you'd want for a gaming display. It's a 27" 1440p monitor with an IPS-panel from Innolux using Azimuthal Anchoring Switch (AAS) technology. It also has a response time of 1ms, clearly designed towards gamers. Although you'll find comparable specs with other monitors on the market, the AORUS AD27QD is also G-SYNC compatible, which means if you ever upgrade to a NVIDIA video card, you can take advantage of the company's proprietary G-SYNC technology without having to change your display. Another plus, this monitor is VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified, making it an HDR-capable display.
Size27"
Aspect Ratio16:9
Panel TypeAAS IPS
Max Resolution2560 x 1440
Max Refresh Rate144Hz
Max Brightness350 cd/m²
Max Contrast Ratio1000:1
PortsHDMI, DisplayPort, 3.5mm, 2 x USB 3.0
Response Time1ms
VESA Mounting Interface100 x 100 mm





2. Best FreeSync Monitor on a Budget: ViewSonic XG2402



If you're gaming on a budget, this 24" ViewSonic monitor offers get performance without killing your bank account. It offers 1080p resolution, which is typical for 24" monitors, and a max refresh rate of 144Hz. To make it affordable however, it has a TN panel, which won't offer the best display performance, but it's more than adequate for gaming. Viewing angles with the TN panel won't be as good as you'd find on an IPS or VA, but it does sport a 1ms response time—which for most gamers, is more important than good viewing angles.
Size24"
Aspect Ratio16:9
Panel TypeTN
Max Resolution1920 x 1080
Max Refresh Rate144Hz
Max Brightness350 cd/m²
Max Contrast Ratio1000:1
PortsHDMI, DisplayPort, 3.5mm, 3 x USB 3.0 (1 x USB Type B)
Response Time1ms
VESA Mounting Interface100 x 100 mm





3. Best 4K FreeSync Monitor: Acer Nitro XV273K



Shopping for a 4K monitor with a high refresh rate is tough. In fact, you won't find very many 4K FreeSync monitors offering 144Hz, which is why the Acer Nitro XV273K is our recommendation. This 27" FreeSync monitor uses an IPS panel with max resolution of 3840 x 2160. It also has a response time of 1ms, meeting all the specifications we like to see with a gaming monitor. Just keep in mind, if you're planning to get high FPS while gaming in 4K, make sure your rig is up to the task.

This monitor is also G-SYNC compatible, although HDR won't work with G-SYNC. Speaking of HDR, this monitor doesn't offer dynamic contrast, so its HDR performance isn't the best.
Size27"
Aspect Ratio16:9
Panel TypeIPS
Max Resolution3840 x 2160
Max Refresh Rate144Hz
Max Brightness350 cd/m² (Native), 400 cd/m² (Peak, HDR Mode)
Max Contrast Ratio1000:1
PortsHDMI, DisplayPort, 4 x USB 3.0
Response Time1ms
VESA Mounting Interface100 x 100 mm





4. Best Ultrawide FreeSync Monitor: Samsung CRG9



Reviewer Mark Henninger was fortunate enough to get his hands on Samsung's 49" CRG9 curved monitor and came away impressed, giving it a Top Choice 2019 award. This 49" UltraWide gaming monitor is designed for those who want a truly immersive experience and have the real estate to take advantage of its 32:9 aspect ratio. Max resolution is an astonishing 5120 x 1440, while the refresh rate tops out at 120Hz.

Samsung CRG9 Review
"This is, bar none, the most ideal monitor I’ve used for productivity while at the same time offering an incredible gaming experience," said Henninger in his review. "Between the easy assembly, brilliant color with factory calibration, high resolution, and a stand that lets you position the monitor exactly where you need it, this is a premium monitor that’s worth the money."
Size49" Curved
Aspect Ratio32:9
Panel TypeIPS
Max Resolution5120 x 1440
Max Refresh Rate120Hz
Max Brightness1000 cd/m²
Max Contrast Ratio3000:1
PortsHDMI, DisplayPort, 3.5mm, 4 x USB 3.0
Response Time4ms
VESA Mounting Interface100 x 100 mm





5. Best 1080P FreeSync Monitor: ASUS ROG Strix XG27VQ



If you aren't a pixel density snob and can deal with a 27" 1080p monitor, take a look at this offering from ASUS. The ROG Strix XG27VQ is a VA panel, which some favor over IPS when it comes to display quality. Its refresh rate caps out at 144Hz and it has a 1ms response time, ideal for gaming. Another bonus is that this monitor has a curvature of 1800R, helping give it great viewing angles. Well priced, this is a great 1080p monitor, so long as you can look past its pixel density on a 27" display.
Size27" Curved
Aspect Ratio16:9
Panel TypeVA
Max Resolution1920 x 1080
Max Refresh Rate144Hz
Max Brightness300 cd/m²
Max Contrast Ratio3000:1
PortsHDMI, DisplayPort, DVI-D, 3.5mm
Response Time1ms
VESA Mounting Interface100 x 100 mm




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