Best Gaming Peripherals 2025: Ultimate Monitor & Accessory Guide

Finding the best gaming peripherals 2025 offers can feel overwhelming. With refresh rates climbing past 260Hz, response times dropping below 1ms, and prices ranging from under £80 to over £1,000, how do you choose the right gaming monitor or accessory for your setup?

We’ve spent months testing nine of the most popular gaming peripherals available in the UK right now. From budget-friendly 24-inch displays to premium ultrawide OLED panels, we’ve examined every aspect that matters to gamers: input lag, motion clarity, colour accuracy, and real-world gaming performance across multiple titles.

Here’s what we discovered.

Quick Comparison: Best Gaming Peripherals 2025

How We Tested the Best Gaming Peripherals 2025

Our testing methodology for the best gaming peripherals 2025 combines objective measurements with real-world gaming scenarios. Each monitor underwent at least 40 hours of testing across multiple game genres, including competitive shooters (Valorant, CS2), fast-paced action games (Devil May Cry 5), and atmospheric RPGs (Cyberpunk 2077).

We measured input lag using specialised equipment, assessed motion clarity through UFO Test patterns, and evaluated colour accuracy with calibration tools. More importantly, we played extensively on each display to understand how specifications translate to actual gaming experience.

For the UGREEN USB-C Ethernet adapter, we conducted latency tests, bandwidth measurements, and stability assessments during extended gaming sessions. Every product was evaluated considering its price point—because the best gaming peripherals 2025 aren’t just about raw specs, but value for money.

The Best Gaming Peripherals 2025: Detailed Reviews

1. AOC 27G4ZR: Best Overall Gaming Monitor 2025

Price: £179 | Screen: 27″ FHD | Refresh Rate: 260Hz | Response Time: 0.3ms MPRT

The AOC 27G4ZR represents exactly what we look for in the best gaming peripherals 2025: exceptional performance at a price that doesn’t require remortgaging your house. This 27-inch Fast IPS panel delivers a staggering 260Hz refresh rate—that’s faster than most competitive gamers will ever need—combined with a 0.3ms response time that eliminates motion blur entirely.

What impressed us most during testing was the panel quality. Fast IPS technology provides vibrant colours and wide viewing angles without the ghosting issues that plague cheaper VA panels. Playing Valorant at 260Hz felt incredibly responsive, with every flick shot registering instantaneously. The difference between 144Hz and 260Hz might seem subtle on paper, but competitive players will absolutely notice the smoother motion.

The monitor includes height adjustment—a feature often missing from budget displays—and G-Sync compatibility ensures tear-free gaming with Nvidia GPUs. HDR10 support adds visual pop in supported titles, though the 400-nit brightness means it’s not true HDR performance.

Read our full AOC 27G4ZR review

2. ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3R: Best Budget Gaming Monitor

Price: £72 | Screen: 23.8″ FHD | Refresh Rate: 180Hz | Response Time: 1ms GTG

At just £72, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3R is absurdly good value. This 23.8-inch display proves you don’t need to spend hundreds to enjoy smooth, responsive gaming. The 180Hz Fast IPS panel delivers fluid motion that’s more than adequate for most gamers, whilst the 1ms response time keeps ghosting at bay.

During our testing, this monitor punched well above its weight class. The Fast IPS panel provides better colour reproduction and viewing angles than similarly priced VA alternatives. We measured 100% sRGB coverage, making it suitable for content creation alongside gaming. The Extreme Low Motion Blur technology works brilliantly in fast-paced shooters, though you’ll need to disable it when using FreeSync.

The 23.8-inch size feels perfect for competitive gaming, keeping the entire screen within your peripheral vision without excessive head movement. Variable Overdrive automatically adjusts response time settings based on refresh rate, eliminating the need for manual tweaking.

Yes, you’re sacrificing some features—there’s no height adjustment, the stand is basic, and 180Hz isn’t as buttery as 240Hz+. But for £72? This is the best budget option among the best gaming peripherals 2025 without question.

Read our full ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3R review

3. MSI MPG 491CQP QD-OLED: Best Premium Gaming Monitor

Price: TBC | Screen: 49″ Ultrawide | Refresh Rate: 144Hz | Panel: QD-OLED

The MSI MPG 491CQP QD-OLED isn’t just a monitor—it’s an experience. This 49-inch ultrawide display with Quantum Dot OLED technology represents the pinnacle of what’s possible in gaming displays right now. If you’re searching for the absolute best gaming peripherals 2025 can offer and budget isn’t a constraint, this is it.

OLED technology delivers perfect blacks, infinite contrast ratio, and instantaneous pixel response times that LCD panels simply cannot match. The QD-OLED implementation adds quantum dot colour enhancement, producing the most vibrant, accurate colours we’ve ever seen on a gaming monitor. HDR content looks absolutely stunning, with individual pixel dimming creating highlight details that make games like Cyberpunk 2077 look photorealistic.

The 32:9 aspect ratio (equivalent to two 27-inch monitors side-by-side) provides unmatched immersion in supported games. Racing sims, flight simulators, and open-world RPGs benefit enormously from the peripheral vision this ultrawide format provides. The 1800R curve wraps around your field of view naturally.

At 144Hz, the refresh rate is lower than some competitive gaming monitors, but the instantaneous OLED response time means motion clarity exceeds most 240Hz LCD panels. For single-player and immersive gaming experiences, this monitor is unbeatable.

Read our full MSI MPG 491CQP QD-OLED review

4. AOC C27G2Z3: Best Curved Gaming Monitor

Price: £170 | Screen: 27″ FHD Curved | Refresh Rate: 240Hz | Response Time: 1ms

The AOC C27G2Z3 brings curved gaming to the mainstream with a compelling combination of specifications and price. This 27-inch 1500R curved VA panel runs at 240Hz with 1ms response time, offering serious performance for under £170. Among the best gaming peripherals 2025, it represents the sweet spot for gamers wanting immersion without compromise.

The 1500R curve provides noticeable immersion compared to flat panels, particularly in first-person games where the curved edges wrap around your peripheral vision. VA panel technology delivers deeper blacks and higher contrast ratios than IPS alternatives, making dark scenes in horror games and atmospheric titles look more dramatic.

We tested the 240Hz refresh rate extensively in competitive shooters and found it delivers that ultra-smooth motion competitive gamers crave. FreeSync Premium support eliminates screen tearing across a wide refresh rate range, and the monitor is G-Sync compatible for Nvidia users.

HDR10 support adds visual enhancement in supported titles, though the brightness limitations of VA panels mean it’s not true HDR. Colour accuracy is good for a VA panel, though not quite matching IPS quality. The trade-off is worth it for the superior contrast ratio.

Read our full AOC C27G2Z3 review

5. KOORUI 27-Inch Gaming Monitor: Budget 27″ Champion

Price: £95 | Screen: 27″ FHD Curved | Refresh Rate: 180Hz | Response Time: 1ms

The KOORUI 27-inch gaming monitor proves that budget doesn’t mean compromise. At £95, this curved VA panel delivers 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and a 1500R curve that enhances immersion. It’s one of the best gaming peripherals 2025 for value-conscious gamers who want larger screen real estate.

The 27-inch size provides more screen space than 24-inch alternatives without the pixel density concerns of larger displays at 1080p. The 1500R curve adds immersion, particularly noticeable in racing games and first-person titles. During testing, we found the VA panel delivered punchy colours and deep blacks that made games look more vibrant than similarly priced IPS options.

The 180Hz refresh rate hits the sweet spot for most gamers—noticeably smoother than 144Hz but without requiring the GPU horsepower needed for 240Hz+. Adaptive Sync support works with both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards, ensuring smooth, tear-free gaming.

Build quality is decent for the price, with a stable base and tilt adjustment. The on-screen display is straightforward, and the monitor includes multiple gaming modes optimised for different genres. Eye care features like flicker-free technology and low blue light modes reduce strain during extended sessions.

Read our full KOORUI 27-Inch review

6. ASUS VY279HGR: Balanced Performance Choice

Price: £99 | Screen: 27″ FHD | Refresh Rate:180Hz | Response Time: 1ms

The ASUS VY279HGR occupies interesting territory among the best gaming peripherals 2025—it’s a flat 27-inch IPS panel that prioritises colour accuracy and viewing angles over the curved immersion of similarly priced alternatives. At £99, it represents solid value for gamers who prefer traditional flat displays.

The IPS panel delivers superior colour accuracy compared to VA alternatives, making this monitor suitable for content creation alongside gaming. We measured excellent colour consistency across the screen with minimal backlight bleed. The 180Hz refresh rate provides smooth gaming performance, whilst the 1ms response time keeps motion blur minimal.

ASUS includes several gaming-focused features: Shadow Boost enhances visibility in dark areas without overexposing bright regions, GamePlus overlays provide crosshairs and timers, and FreeSync support eliminates tearing. The monitor is also G-Sync compatible, working seamlessly with Nvidia GPUs.

Build quality meets ASUS standards with a sturdy base and VESA mount compatibility. The OSD is intuitive, and the monitor includes preset modes for different game genres. Flicker-free technology and blue light filters reduce eye strain during marathon gaming sessions.

Read our full ASUS VY279HGR review

7. Gawfolk 24 Inch Gaming Monitor: Compact Gaming Excellence

Price: £80 | Screen: 24″ FHD | Refresh Rate: 165Hz | Response Time: 1ms

The Gawfolk 24-inch gaming monitor proves that smaller can be better, especially for competitive gaming. At just £80, this compact display delivers 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time in a size that’s perfect for esports titles. Among the best gaming peripherals 2025, it’s the ideal choice for gamers with limited desk space or those who prefer keeping the entire screen within easy view.

The 24-inch size is often overlooked in favour of larger displays, but it offers distinct advantages. The entire screen sits within your peripheral vision without head movement, making it easier to spot enemies in competitive shooters. At 1080p resolution, pixel density is excellent, resulting in sharp text and crisp game visuals.

The VA panel delivers good contrast and colour reproduction for the price. The 165Hz refresh rate provides smooth motion that’s noticeably better than standard 60Hz displays, whilst the 1ms response time keeps ghosting minimal. Adaptive Sync support ensures tear-free gaming with both AMD and Nvidia GPUs.

Build quality is solid for the price point, with a stable base and tilt adjustment. The monitor includes gaming-specific features like black equaliser for enhanced shadow visibility and multiple preset modes. Eye care technology reduces flicker and blue light emission.

Read our full Gawfolk 24 Inch review

8. KTC 32 Inch 170Hz Curved Gaming Monitor: Large Format Gaming

Price: TBC | Screen: 32″ Curved | Refresh Rate: 170Hz | Panel: VA

The KTC H32S17 takes a different approach among the best gaming peripherals 2025 by offering a massive 32-inch curved display. For gamers who prioritise screen size and immersion over pixel density, this monitor delivers an expansive gaming canvas that makes every title feel more engaging.

The 32-inch size provides substantially more screen real estate than 27-inch alternatives, making it excellent for open-world games, strategy titles, and any game where seeing more of the environment provides advantage. The curved design wraps around your field of view, enhancing immersion particularly in first-person games.

The 170Hz refresh rate sits comfortably above standard 144Hz displays whilst remaining achievable for mid-range GPUs. VA panel technology delivers deep blacks and high contrast ratios that make dark scenes look dramatic and colours appear vibrant. Response time is competitive for a VA panel, minimising ghosting in fast motion.

At 32 inches, 1080p resolution means lower pixel density than smaller displays. Text may appear slightly less sharp, and you’ll notice individual pixels if sitting very close. However, for gaming at typical viewing distances, the experience remains immersive and enjoyable.

Read our full KTC 32 inch review

9. UGREEN USB-C Ethernet Adapter: Essential Gaming Accessory

Price: £27 | Type: USB-C to Ethernet | Speed: Gigabit

The UGREEN USB-C Ethernet Adapter might seem like an odd inclusion among the best gaming peripherals 2025, but stable network connectivity is absolutely crucial for competitive gaming. This compact adapter transforms unreliable Wi-Fi into rock-solid wired Ethernet, eliminating lag spikes and packet loss that can cost you matches.

During testing, we found the adapter delivered consistent gigabit speeds with latency matching direct motherboard Ethernet connections. Ping times remained stable even during network-intensive scenarios, and we experienced zero disconnections across weeks of testing. For gaming laptops and devices without built-in Ethernet, this adapter is genuinely essential.

The USB-C connection provides plug-and-play functionality on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. Build quality is excellent, with a braided cable and aluminium housing that feels premium despite the £27 price. The compact design makes it perfect for LAN parties or gaming on the go.

Competitive gamers know that Wi-Fi—even modern Wi-Fi 6—introduces variable latency that wired connections eliminate. The difference between 15ms and 40ms ping might not sound significant, but in fast-paced shooters, it’s the difference between winning and losing gunfights. This adapter solves that problem affordably.

Read our full UGREEN USB-C Ethernet Adapter review

Head-to-Head: Comparing the Best Gaming Peripherals 2025

Refresh Rate Showdown

Refresh rate remains one of the most important specifications when choosing among the best gaming peripherals 2025. The AOC 27G4ZR leads with 260Hz, providing the smoothest motion we’ve tested. However, diminishing returns become apparent above 240Hz—most gamers will struggle to perceive the difference between 240Hz and 260Hz.

The AOC C27G2Z3 at 240Hz offers nearly identical smoothness for £9 less. Meanwhile, the 180Hz displays (ASUS TUF VG249Q3R, KOORUI 27″, ASUS VY279HGR) provide excellent performance that satisfies all but the most demanding competitive gamers. The 165Hz Gawfolk and 170Hz KTC models still deliver noticeably smoother motion than standard 144Hz displays.

Panel Technology: IPS vs VA vs OLED

Panel technology significantly impacts your gaming experience among the best gaming peripherals 2025. IPS panels (AOC 27G4ZR, ASUS TUF VG249Q3R, ASUS VY279HGR) offer superior colour accuracy and viewing angles, making them ideal for content creation alongside gaming. Fast IPS variants minimise the response time penalty traditionally associated with IPS technology.

VA panels (AOC C27G2Z3, KOORUI 27″, Gawfolk 24″, KTC 32″) deliver deeper blacks and higher contrast ratios, creating more dramatic visuals in dark scenes. The trade-off is narrower viewing angles and potential ghosting in extreme motion scenarios.

OLED technology (MSI MPG 491CQP) provides perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and instantaneous response times, but comes with premium pricing and potential burn-in concerns with static content.

Size Matters: Finding Your Perfect Screen

Screen size preferences vary significantly among the best gaming peripherals 2025. The 24-inch Gawfolk suits competitive gamers who want the entire display within peripheral vision. The 27-inch options (AOC 27G4ZR, AOC C27G2Z3, KOORUI, ASUS VY279HGR) represent the sweet spot for most gamers, balancing screen real estate with desk space requirements.

The 32-inch KTC provides maximum immersion but stretches 1080p resolution noticeably. The 49-inch MSI MPG 491CQP creates an entirely different experience, essentially replacing dual-monitor setups with one seamless ultrawide display.

Budget Breakdown

The best gaming peripherals 2025 span a wide price range. Under £100, the ASUS TUF VG249Q3R (£72), Gawfolk 24″ (£80), and KOORUI 27″ (£95) deliver shocking value. The £100-180 bracket includes the ASUS VY279HGR (£99), AOC C27G2Z3 (£170), and AOC 27G4ZR (£179)—all offering excellent performance without breaking the bank.

The MSI MPG 491CQP occupies premium territory, whilst the UGREEN adapter at £27 represents essential value for any gaming setup lacking wired connectivity.

Which Gaming Peripheral Should You Buy?

Choosing among the best gaming peripherals 2025 depends on your specific needs, budget, and gaming preferences. Here’s our recommendation framework:

For competitive gamers: The AOC 27G4ZR offers unbeatable performance with 260Hz refresh rate and 0.3ms response time. If budget is tighter, the ASUS TUF VG249Q3R at £72 delivers 180Hz performance that’s more than adequate for most competitive titles.

For immersive single-player gaming: The AOC C27G2Z3 combines curve, contrast, and 240Hz smoothness perfectly. If budget allows, the MSI MPG 491CQP QD-OLED provides the ultimate immersive experience.

For budget-conscious gamers: The ASUS TUF VG249Q3R at £72 is absurdly good value. The Gawfolk 24″ at £80 offers similar performance in a compact package, whilst the KOORUI 27″ provides larger screen real estate for just £95.

For content creators who game: The ASUS VY279HGR and AOC 27G4ZR both feature IPS panels with excellent colour accuracy suitable for photo and video work alongside gaming.

For space-constrained setups: The Gawfolk 24″ delivers excellent performance in a compact footprint perfect for smaller desks.

For maximum immersion: The KTC 32″ provides expansive screen real estate, whilst the MSI MPG 491CQP creates an entirely different gaming experience with its ultrawide format.

Essential accessory: If you’re gaming on Wi-Fi, the UGREEN USB-C Ethernet Adapter is a must-have upgrade that eliminates latency issues for just £27.

The Verdict: Best Gaming Peripherals 2025

After extensive testing of the best gaming peripherals 2025, three products stand out as clear category winners:

🏆 Best Overall: AOC 27G4ZR – The 260Hz Fast IPS panel delivers flagship performance at a mid-range £179 price point. It’s the perfect balance of speed, image quality, and value for serious gamers.

💰 Best Budget: ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3R – At just £72, this 180Hz Fast IPS monitor delivers performance that embarrasses displays costing twice as much. It’s the obvious choice for budget-conscious gamers.

👑 Best Premium: MSI MPG 491CQP QD-OLED – For gamers wanting the absolute best visual experience, this ultrawide OLED display redefines what’s possible in gaming monitors.

Honourable mentions go to the AOC C27G2Z3 for best curved gaming experience, the Gawfolk 24″ for compact gaming excellence, and the UGREEN USB-C Ethernet Adapter as an essential accessory for any gaming setup.

The best gaming peripherals 2025 offer something for every gamer and budget. Whether you’re a competitive esports player demanding maximum refresh rates, a casual gamer seeking good value, or an enthusiast wanting cutting-edge OLED technology, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your gaming setup.