CES 2025 showcased a wide range of impressive monitors, but only a select few truly caught my attention. After spending hours on the show floor, visiting countless booths, and, admittedly, straining my eyes from all the screen time, I’ve narrowed down the five standout monitors that impressed me the most.
While gaming monitors often steal the spotlight at CES, this year, I found some game-changing models that exceeded expectations. In addition to these, I’ve also included a couple of non-gaming monitors that deserve more recognition for their innovation and quality.
Samsung Odyssey 3D
Glasses-free 3D has been a concept for years, but Samsung’s Odyssey 3D might be the first to truly perfect it. While not the first glasses-free 3D monitor on the market, it stands out as the best one available so far. As soon as you start playing, the 3D effect feels natural, and you quickly forget you’re using a 3D display.
This is a significant improvement over previous attempts, like Acer’s SpatialLabs Predator 27, where the 3D effect was only optimal in a narrow viewing angle, requiring constant head adjustments. The Odyssey 3D, on the other hand, eliminates this issue. It uses similar eye-tracking technology and a lenticular lens to deliver two distinct images to each eye. Samsung’s success lies in the fine-tuned software that ensures a seamless 3D experience from virtually any viewing position.
The Odyssey 3D monitor shows great potential, though it’s still in the early stages. Currently, it can convert 2D content into 3D, but only when watching videos in full-screen mode through your web browser. As for gaming, there’s only one title with 3D support, though Samsung aims to have at least 10 games compatible by the official launch. Looking ahead, Samsung plans to enable automatic 2D-to-3D conversion for any content. If they can achieve the same high-quality results demonstrated at CES, this could be a game-changer worth getting excited about.
Asus ROG PG27UCDM
Gamers have long been hoping for the perfect 27-inch OLED monitor with 4K resolution, and the wait is finally over with the Asus ROG PG27UCDM. While other brands like MSI, Samsung, and Gigabyte offer similar options, it’s Asus’ version that stands out, and I’ve had the chance to experience it firsthand. This monitor delivers an exceptional visual experience. The 27-inch size, combined with 4K resolution, results in an incredibly high pixel density that produces a crisp, detailed image. The QD-OLED panel enhances this further, offering vibrant colors and rich contrast, creating a truly immersive gaming environment.
But the PG27UCDM doesn’t stop at just excellent picture quality. It also incorporates a range of advanced OLED features that Asus has developed over the years. This includes Black Frame Insertion for smoother motion and a new Neo Proximity Sensor, which automatically detects your presence. The sensor wakes the monitor when you’re in front of it and puts it to sleep when you step away, adding an extra layer of convenience and energy efficiency.
MSI MPG 272QRF X36
MSI has released several impressive monitors for competitive gamers this year, including one with a remarkable 600Hz refresh rate. However, the standout is the MPG 272QRF X36, which introduces Nvidia’s groundbreaking G-Sync Pulsar technology—a rare feature that enhances motion clarity in fast-paced games.
Pulsar works by dynamically strobing the backlight, turning it off between refreshes and only illuminating it when a static frame is displayed. This technique boosts motion clarity to levels that surpass even OLED displays with high refresh rates. With Pulsar, you can track fast-moving objects with clarity comparable to over 1,000Hz refresh rates, all while enjoying the benefits of variable refresh rate (VRR).
While the inclusion of Nvidia’s Pulsar is a key selling point, the MPG 272QRF X36 is a solid performer in other areas as well. This 27-inch monitor offers a sharp 1440p resolution and a fast 360Hz refresh rate, making it a top choice for gamers seeking both performance and clarity.
Samsung Smart Monitor M9
The Samsung Smart Monitor M9 is a 32-inch 4K display that brings cutting-edge OLED technology to a broader audience, far beyond just gamers. Featuring Samsung’s smart TV operating system, this monitor offers a seamless experience with access to a wide range of streaming apps available through One UI. It also includes Samsung’s Pro 4K AI upscaling, which enhances the image quality, allowing you to enjoy stunning visuals even if you’re not watching native 4K content.
While the M9 is designed with non-gamers in mind, it still delivers an impressive gaming experience when needed. With its OLED panel, you get vibrant and detailed images, and the 165Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay for casual gaming sessions. Whether you’re working, streaming, or gaming, the Samsung Smart Monitor M9 provides exceptional versatility and performance.
Asus ProArt 6K PA32QCV
The Asus ProArt PA32QCV is a standout monitor designed specifically for content creators, boasting an impressive 32-inch display with a stunning 6K resolution (6,016 x 3,384). This high resolution results in a remarkable pixel density of 218 pixels per inch (PPI), far surpassing most 4K monitors that typically offer around 130 PPI.
The ultra-sharp clarity makes this monitor perfect for professionals in video editing, design, and visual effects work who require exceptional detail. In addition to its remarkable resolution, the ProArt PA32QCV also offers DisplayHDR 600 certification and factory calibration, ensuring a color accuracy with an error margin of less than 2 right out of the box. While pricing and availability have yet to be disclosed, it’s clear that this display is set to be a premium choice for creators who demand the best in visual performance.