Best Monitor for Twitch Chat [Buyers’ Guide]

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The Twitch streaming platform is all about interacting with your fans. But live streaming your intense gameplay while chatting with your friends simultaneously isn’t easy if you don’t have enough screen real estate.

After all, you don’t want to play in windowed mode and don’t want to switch between different windows while gaming.

That’s why most serious streamers opt for a dual monitor setup: one screen for gaming and one for chatting. Sure, you can also use ultrawide monitors for this, but most people I know prefer a second screen because it offers you more flexibility in the setup.

And if you got an ultrawide monitor, you probably want to use all the nice space just for your games.

With dual monitors, you can buy a smaller or touch screen just for chatting if you don’t have space for two huge monitors. Or you can place the chat monitor above your main monitor.

I’ve seen some cool setups with an ultrawide monitor for gaming and the second one positioned above the ultrawide for chat and browsing.

Some live streamers prefer vertical monitors for the stream chat because it’s easier to keep track of all the comments – especially when they’re moving fast.

That way, you can better catch when a follower gifts bits or subs to you and thank them during live streams.

To see more on what to look for in a monitor, check out my guide for new streamers at the end of this post. 

If you are ready to learn about the best five monitors for streaming on Twitch, read below!

Recommended Monitors

While everyone has preferences regarding monitors, these five are some of the best second monitors you can use for Twitch chat in a multi-monitor setup.

Their response times are amazing, with most of them having a response time of 1 – 3 ms. These can be used for a dual-monitor setup, though they will take up a large section of your desk.

1. LG 27GN750-B UltraGear Gaming Monitor – best gaming monitor for Twitch

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Specs:

  • Screen Size: 27”
  • Display Tech: IPS
  • HDR 10 industry-standard color palette, brightness, and contrast
  • Weight: 12.98 lbs
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 
  • Refresh Rate: 240hz
  • Response time 1ms
  • Brightness: 400 nits
  • Ports: 2 HDMI ports and 1 Display Port
  • 1 x USB Type-B port + 2 X USB Type-A port (all USB 3.1 / USB 3.2 Gen 1)
  • 3.5 mm output for phones
  • Pivots to vertical display

The LG 27GN750-B UltraGear Gaming Monitor is mighty.

This monitor takes what you thought was high-quality gaming to a new level. Everything is sharp and crisp, and you do not have to deal with graphical lag like stuttering.

The monitor pivots to the upright position, offering more flexibility than horizontal monitors. You can use it for both Twitch streaming and Twitch gaming.

It has one of the best monitor refresh rates on the market at 240hz and a 1 ms response time.

It has a sleek design that speaks to the minimalist aesthetic gamers currently love when it comes to their monitors. While it may have a less impressive design than the AOC 27G2, it is still not terrible.

This content was first published on GameDaft.com

Another feature it comes with is G-Sync compatibility, meaning it does not have any display issues and will provide you with G-Sync if you use an NVIDIA graphics card. So, keep that in mind when looking at this monitor.

I also love that it has USB ports to reduce the cable clutter on your desk.

While it is one of the more expensive monitors on this list, you cannot go wrong with it if you want top-of-the-line graphics and sharp images.

It is a beast of a monitor, and you will be hard-pressed to get your hands on something this powerful at a lower price.

Pros

  • Excellent quality screen
  • Vibrant colors
  • Excellent refresh rate
  • Excellent response time
  • Pivots for vertical viewing
  • All the right ports, including USB

Cons

  • Expensive

Check the current price on Amazon.

2. Asus TUF VG259Q Gaming Monitor – best monitor if you need a smaller screen

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Specs:

  • Screen Size: 24.5”
  • Weight: 11.24 lbs
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Refresh Rate: 144hz
  • Response time: 1 ms
  • Brightness: 400 nits
  • Ports: 2 HDMI ports and 1 Display Port
  • 3.5mm earphone jack
  • Pivots to a vertical position
  • ROG Bezel-Free Kit compatible

The Asus TUF VG259Q Gaming Monitor is final on our list, which, while featuring only a 24.5 square inch screen, the smallest on the list, still packs a reasonably impressive bang for its buck. 

It does have IPS panels and clocks in at 1 ms for its response time. Coupled with AMD Freesync compatibility, it is a well-rounded and versatile monitor. 

Another great feature of this monitor is the built-in speakers, which can be great when you want to chill without using headphones. Like the Asus VN279GL monitor, this one comes equipped with Asus eye care technology which helps prevent eye strain and fatigue. 

The design is simplistic and minimalist while at the same time appearing futuristic with its slim black body and red highlights on the base. And if you have ever struggled with the height of a monitor, worry no longer, as this monitor comes equipped with an adjustable height. 

This ASUS monitor is compatible with the ROG Bezel-Free Kit, which visually eliminates the gaps between screens in multi-monitor setups.

The ASUS offers great functionality for its price. If you do not need/want the most high-end monitor, the Asus TUF gaming monitor is a great alternative.

Pros

  • Excellent colors
  • Great refresh rate
  • Excellent response time
  • Pivots to the vertical position

Cons

  • No USB ports

Check the current price on Amazon.

3. AOC 27G3S Frameless Gaming Monitor – excellent value gaming monitor

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Specs:

  • Screen Size: 27″
  • Weight: 11.22 lbs
  • Resolution: 2560 x 1440
  • VA panel
  • Refresh Rate: 165Hz
  • Response time: 1ms
  • HDR 10 industry-standard color palette, brightness, and contrast
  • Brightness: 300 nits
  • Ports: 2 HDMI ports, 1 VGA port, 1 Display port
  • 3.5mm earphone jack
  • Curved monitor (1000R)

Easily one of the most impressive monitors on this list, the AOC 27G2 Frameless gaming monitor is one of the best gaming monitors you can get your hands on currently.

It has a high resolution of 2560 x 1440 (QHD) and is a curved monitor with a 1000R curve for a more immersive experience.

This AOC G3 is also available as a 34-inch 4K UHD version if you need that extra space and an even higher resolution. The latter is available as both curved and flat.

With a high refresh rate of 165Hz and a response time of 1ms, you can enjoy your gaming with no graphical lag, and it is perfect for competitive gaming. 

Notice, however, that the refresh rate of 165Hz is only through the display port and not through HDMI. If your graphics card only has HDMI, you’re limited to 100Hz, which is still fairly good.

While you would think AOC must have cut corners with this monitor to offer so many useful features, they didn’t. It is equipped with an IPS panel combined with Nvidia G-Sync compatibility allowing for a smooth gaming experience.

You get 16.7 million vibrant colors with 99% sRGB support and 86% NTSC color gamut area coverage.

Another plus side to this monitor is if you prefer your gaming equipment to have a more futuristic style, you will love this monitor. It offers a sleek, slim, and frameless design with a spike-shaped base. The frame is black with red accents, which helps it pop and catch your eye. 

So, if you want a high-end gaming monitor that offers excellent value, check out the AOC 27G3 monitor.

Pros

  • Affordable high-end gaming monitor
  • 2560 x 1440 (QHD) screen resolution
  • AMD FreeSync Premium for low stuttering
  • Narrow bezel
  • Flicker-free technology that’s easy on your eyes
  • Good viewing angles of 178 degrees

Cons

  • No pivot
  • No USB ports
  • Not available as flat design.

Check the current price on Amazon.

4. Samsung LS27F354FHNXZA Flat Monitor – best affordable option, if you don’t need a vertical monitor setup

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Specs:

  • Screen Size: 27”
  • Display Tech: PLS (similar to IPS – see guide)
  • Weight: 11 lbs
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Refresh Rate: 75hz
  • Response time: 4 ms
  • Brightness: 200 nits
  • Ports: 1 HDMI port and 1 D-sub (VGA) port

Next up is the Samsung LS27F354FHNXZA Flat Monitor has a 75hz refresh rate and 4ms response time.

It has a fairly unappealing design, just a basic black frame, but its body is only 0.4 inches. That being said, the bezel around the top and sides is really thin, which is nice.

And in the end, the look is not what matters, but the power behind it, and this monitor can deliver crisp, high-quality video and images. It comes equipped with AMD Freesync, which helps improve gameplay and stream quality, making it perfect for Twitch gamers. 

Other notable features it comes equipped with are Eco-saving Plus, an eye-saving mode, and different game modes depending on what you are playing.

The Eco-saving plus feature, though, is probably its most remarkable feature. It auto-changes the brightness, allowing you to use less energy, see everything manually without changing it, and helps prevent eye strain.

The biggest downsides are that it doesn’t pivot to vertical mode and has no USB ports.

While it may not be a super impressive monitor, it still offers a ton of bang for its price.

Pros

  • Affordable monitor
  • Thin bezel
  • Super slim design
  • Great viewing angle of 178 degrees

Cons

  • Doesn’t pivot
  • No USB ports
  • Only 200 nits brightness

Check the current price on Amazon.

5. ASUS VN279QL Ergonomic Monitor – best option if you’re on a tight budget.

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Specs:

  • Screen Size: 27”
  • Weight: 13.45 lbs
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Refresh Rate: 60hz
  • Ports: 1 HDMI port, 1 D-sub port (VGA), 1 Display Port
  • 3.5mm earphone jack.
  • Pivots to vertical

First up on the list is the ASUS VN279GL Ergonomic Monitor, which is an excellent monitor for all your needs, from browsing the Internet to streaming graphic-intensive games. It has a thin bezel, so you do not get a large bulky frame taking up screen space, which can be distracting and annoying.

Equipped with an 8-bit IPS panel, this monitor has a great response rate at around 5ms, though its colors are less accurate than other ISP monitors. So if you plan on doing more complicated projects, you should find a monitor with either sRGB or Adobe RGB color ranges. 

It has three ports: an HDMI port, a VGA port, and a Display Port. While most computers and monitors use HDMI, you can still use this monitor if you have an older computer with VGA ports or a newer computer with Display Ports. 

You can find the OSD buttons, which control things like contrast and brightness, on the backside of the monitor at the bottom. So, you may have to fiddle around a bit when changing your screen’s settings.

This monitor also pivots so that you can use it both in landscape mode and vertically.

For its price, the ASUS VN249QL monitor is a great monitor and well worth the money if you are looking for a gaming monitor. Its large size, fast response time, and multiple ports make it an excellent option for amateurs and professionals.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Thin bezel frame
  • Pivots to vertical

Cons

  • No USB ports
  • Low refresh rate

Check the current price on Amazon.

What to Look For In a Monitor for Twitch chat

When picking out a monitor for Twitch streaming and gaming in general, there are five things you want to look at in particular.

Those are the monitor’s resolution, the number of ports available, the refresh rate, response time, and the screen size. 

Resolution

When looking at gaming monitors, the first thing you should check is to ensure the monitor has a resolution of 1920 x 1080. This means it has a width of 1,920 pixels and a height of 1,080 pixels, aka a 16:9 aspect ratio. This is also sometimes referred to as 1080p or Full HD.

Getting a monitor with a lower resolution will reduce the quality of images and videos. 

Luckily, nearly all monitors come in 1920 x 1080 or better; always double-check. You cannot sacrifice the resolution, as you will not have a good gaming experience. It is also why you want an ultra-wide screen, as it allows for more pixels to be shown, resulting in higher quality. 

Ports

A monitor is useless without ports because, without ports, you cannot hook anything up to it. So, when looking at a monitor, consider the number of ports and what you plan on connecting to the monitor. At the very least, the monitor should come with 1 HDMI and 1 Display port.

If you plan on connecting multiple devices to a monitor, you should find one with two or more HDMI ports and a Display Port.

You do not have to worry about the number of VGA ports (aka D-sub ports) as that is fairly outdated technology, and most devices will use HDMI or Display ports.

USB ports

It would help if you also looked for USB ports because it is convenient to have a USB port on the desk.

I love that I can charge my phone and mouse or plug a USB flash drive into my monitor since my computer is on my floor. And I hate using USB switches because it creates so much clutter on my desk from all the cables.

Headphones jack

If you’re not using wireless headphones, it’s also nice to have a 3.5mm jack on the screen. Especially if your headphones only have a curled chord.

Refresh Rate

The next thing you want to check is the refresh rate. You will find that 60 Hz monitors are the default refresh rate, which is alright for everyday use and interacting with your followers in the chat box.

However, if you want the best quality without going high-end, you need a 144 Hz refresh rate monitor. This is especially useful when you don’t want to live stream but use both monitors for gaming.

If you know you will play many graphics-intensive games, consider trying to find a monitor with a refresh rate of 240hz or higher. It will give you the best image and help everything show up properly on your screen. 

For those curious about refresh rate, it is the speed at which pixels update themselves. The faster the movement, the laggier it will appear on monitors with slower refresh rates.  

Response Time

Response time is one of the most critical aspects when checking out a monitor. Only some monitors specify this on the product page, so if you cannot find it, check online for a guide or article that specifies the response time. 

Response time measures the time it takes for a computer to change colors, so the higher a response time >5ms, the blurrier things will appear when moving at high speed.

You want a monitor with a response time of under 5 ms and can usually get monitors with 1 or 2-ms response times without breaking the wallet.

You can read about response time in this guide to the best monitor settings for gaming.

Screen Size

The final important thing to consider when purchasing a monitor is its screen size. A smaller screen means a smaller POV when playing games, which, while not always a huge problem, can mean the difference between winning or losing a competitive game. 

While you can find small screen monitors, I recommend not going any lower than 24.5”. Most monitors are now around 27,” which is the golden spot for gaming and streaming. You will be hard-pressed to find larger, and it will likely cost you a lot more money without providing much additional benefit.

Display technology: TN panels vs. VA panels vs. IPS panels

Today, monitors use TFT LCD (thin film transistor liquid crystal display) technology. This is then split into three types: TN, VA, and IPS, which each has its pros and cons.

TN panels have excellent response times (the best have a response time of less than 1ms), a decent contrast ratio (1000:1), poor color rendition, and average viewing angles. TN panels are great for competitive MOBA and other fast-paced fps games.

VA panels have a decent response time (4-5ms), good color rendition, excellent contrast ratio (3000:1) for deep blacks and true whites, and excellent viewing angles. VA panels are great if you want an all-around monitor for everyday use, keeping track of the Twitch stream, watching YouTube or Netflix, and gaming.

IPS panels have fast response times (1-2ms), excellent color rendition (supports Rec. 2020, DCI-P3), a decent contrast ratio (1000:1), and excellent viewing angles. IPS panels are great for players who love playing games with beautiful graphics of the highest quality possible.

Samsung offers PLS technology, which is similar to the IPS from LG.

The type of panel you get should depend on what you will do the most.

Conclusion

Finding the best monitor for streaming on Twitch and gaming can be difficult, but it is much easier once you know what you want.

If you found this article helpful and enjoyed it, check out other articles on the best affordable microphones for streaming.

Until next time, happy gaming! 


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jan has played video games since the early 1980s. He loves getting immersed in video games as a way to take his mind off stuff when the outside world gets too scary. A lifelong gamer, the big interest led to a job as a lecturer on game sound at the University of Copenhagen and several written articles on video games for magazines.

Read more on the About Page.