Best Gaming Monitors for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 has often been described as ‘the best looking game ever‘. Not only does it feature highly detailed mega-realistic scenery, but it also recreates real-time traffic and climatic conditions. With the right controllers, the realism is uncanny and you (sure as hell!) don’t want to miss those cutting-edge graphics.
As far as MSFS 2020 is concerned, the virtual aspects are almost as important (if not more important) as the PC build. You can choose either of:
- Monitor
- VR Headset
- Projector
Needless the say, the Monitor is the most commonly used device among these three, and probably, the most important piece of hardware that you will buy. However, there are numerous things that you need to consider before buying one. The double-edged sword is that there are practically limitless options for you to choose from, so you need to be careful. It will set you back a pretty penny, so you don’t want to mess it up either. Hence, this guide features the list of the best monitors for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and is intended at making the process of choosing a monitor hassle-free. Before we proceed to our list, though, we will take a cursory glance at things that you should consider before buying a monitor.
Buying Guide for Monitor for Microsoft Flight Simulator
Before you buy a monitor, there are numerous things that you should consider. These include, but are not limited to, size, resolution, refresh rate, panel, and single/multi-monitor preference. As all of these are pretty generic, we won’t dig too deep. Then again, we won’t shy away from a succinct list either.
Size Does Matter
The larger the monitor, the better the flight experience. However, it is not adviseable to bring home the largest monitor you see. Keep it in your mind that a larger monitor will have low pixel density. In this trade-off between pixel density and size, we intend to hit the sweet spot in between. In my experience, that would be 32 inches.
The higher the Resolution, the better
There is no trade-off as far as resolution is concerned. The higher the resolution, the better the experience. In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, you can fly at up to 4K resolution. That’s for enthusiasts, though. As an entry-level simmer, you can make do with 1080p, i.e. 1920 x 1080.
Refresh Rates
Refresh rates are not as important for MSFS 2020 as some other AAA titles. Even with high-end Nvidia GPUs, you hardly get a frame rate in excess of 60 frames per second. Hence, any monitor over 60 Hz will do just fine. If you can afford one, though, you may want to buy a monitor with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. This will future-proof your investment, and come in handy if you move to another AAA title.
Complement your PC
Some high-end monitors can run huge holes in your pockets. Before buying one though, you need to ask yourself whether you actually need one. If you have a mid-range computer, there is no sense in buying a 4K monitor. That way, you will only lose money in acquiring potential that you didn’t need in the first place.
Panel Technology
You get to choose from IPS, VA, and TN Panels. Of the 3, IPS panels have the best viewing angles and color accuracy. They make the gameplay more immersive by delivering stunning visuals. VA Panels are known for their high contrast ratios. They produce vibrant graphics with low response time. TN Panels aren’t known for their viewing angles or color accuracy. They, however, are suited to fast-paced games because of their low input lag and response time.
Unlike other AAA titles, Microsoft Flight Simulator is more immersive than fast-paced. Hence, IPS Panels > VA Panels > TN Panels.
Single/Multi-Monitor Preference
Some simmers prefer single curved ultrawide monitors for flight simulator because they offer uncannily immersion. This ensures a realistic flight experience. They are also less straining on the eye but can cost a fortune. Others prefer a multiple monitor setup for a flight simulator. A triple monitor setup is the best way to achieve that. While FS 2020 doesn’t offer any real kind of multiple monitor support, there are ways to achieve it. Needless to say, this also costs a fortune but does recreate the cockpit feel. Contrary to popular belief, bezels ameliorate your experience.
These are the two possible options if you have a high-end PC. On the opposite side of the spectrum, if you have a low-end PC, you should settle for a 16:9 aspect ratio monitor.
Among others, you need to decide 2 things before buying a monitor:
- Whether you want a single or multi-monitor setup for flight simulator
- Whether you want a curved or flat monitor for flight simulator
Price
It goes without saying that some of these bad boys can rack up over a thousand dollars. With a flight simulator, there are numerous things that you need to buy including but not limited to a powerful PC, and peripherals. So stay true to your budget. If you have a limited budget, I would suggest buying a beefier PC than spending that money on a high-end display.
5 Best Monitors for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Having covered the metrics in detail, now we will proceed to our list of best monitors for Flight Simulator 2020.
1. ASUS ROG Strix XG32VQ: Best Overall
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 31.5 inches |
| Screen Resolution | QHD Wide 1440p |
| Response Time | 4 milliseconds |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Panel Type | VA |
ASUS ROG Strix XG32VQ is as good as it gets. Standing at 31.5 inches, it is larger than most monitors and closest to my optimal 32-inch screen size. The curvature of the screen improves viewing angles-according to ASUS, XG32VQ has a viewing angle close to 180 degrees. Thanks to freeSync, unmatched contrast ratios, decent refresh rate, and superb color accuracy, XG32VQ delivers the best images. So, when you are soaring the skies, you will actually feel as if you are inside a plane. While you are at it, the integrated Eye Care technology will ensure minimal strain on your eyes.
ASUS ROG Strix XG32VQ features an ergonomic design. You can adjust the height in a 4-inch range, and tilt it through 25 degrees. Also, you can swivel it 50 degrees in either direction. Hence, the monitor’s positioning will always be to your convenience.
The only downside to this marvel of a gaming monitor is its cost. This will run deep holes in your pocket. Regardless, ASUS ROG Strix XG32VQ is the best monitor for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 owing to its superior specifications.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unprecedented Image quality | Comparatively slow response time |
| Classy Design | EXPENSIVE! |
| FreeSync | Doesn’t have built-in speakers |
| Solid Build Quality | |
| Fair refresh rate | |
| Smooth Performance | |
| Unmatched Contrast | |
| Nicely Curved Screen |
2. LG 34GP83A-B 34 Inch: Best Ultrawide Monitor for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 34-inch |
| Screen Resolution | 3440 x 1440 |
| Response Time | 1 millisecond |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz (Can be overclocked to 160 Hz) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
Based on IPS Panel, LG 34GP83A-B is a 34-inch WQHD monitor. With a resolution of 3440 x 1440, stunning graphics, and decent viewing angles, this monitor provides amazing immersion during flight simming. Its 144 Hz (can be overclocked to 160 Hz) refresh rate is also pretty decent for a flight simulator.
LG 34GP83A-B has its issues, though. There is a loss of accuracy of the image when viewing from a side. Also, its low contrast ratio ensures that black and grey aren’t discernable in the dark. There are, however, no such contrast issues in bright settings. The display also has poor ergonomics. It only allows tilt (-15° to 5°) and height adjustments.
This curved monitor for Flight Simulator features a sturdy plastic build, so the monitor’s build quality is pretty decent. It doesn’t feel premium, but it is no pushover either. That having been said, this is one of the best monitors for MSFS 2020.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast Response Time | Low Contrast Ratio |
| Decent Refresh Rate | Loss of Image Accuracy when viewed from a side |
| Low Input Lag | Tilt and Height Adjustments only |
| High Screen Resolution | |
| Optimal Size | |
| Decent viewing angles | |
| Acceptable Build Quality |
3. LG 27GN950-B: Best 4K monitor for Flight Simulator 2020
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27-inch |
| Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
| Response Time | 1 millisecond |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Panel Type | Nano IPS |
If you intend to soar the skies at 4K, you should look no further than LG 27GN950-B. This 27-inch 4K monitor has a refresh rate of 144 Hz and a crazy response time of 1 millisecond. Add that to an incredibly low input lag, stunning visuals, and extremely clear motion and you have yourself a solid future-proof display.
Like LG 34GP83A-B, this one also has poor ergonomics-relatively better, but still pretty disappointing. Like the former, it allows height and tilt (-15° to 5°) adjustments. You can also rotate it into portrait mode, but the monitor does not offer any swivel range.
The build quality is pretty decent. Like almost all LG’s UltraGear models, it is cast entirely out of sturdy plastic. Although it doesn’t feel premium, there is nothing wrong with the build.
Note: In order to enjoy a seamless flight experience at 4K, you need a high-end GPU. You can check them out in our guide on the best Graphics Cards for MSFS 2020.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bright Colors | Poor Ergonomics |
| Unprecedented Response time for a 4K monitor | |
| Extremely low Input lag | |
| Reasonable Response Rate | |
| Very high Screen Resolution | |
| FreeSync support and G-SYNC compatibility |
4. MSI Optix G24C: Best Triple Monitor for MSFS 2020
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 23.6’’ LCD panel |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 full HD |
| Response Time | 1 millisecond |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Panel Type | VA |
There isn’t much to dislike about MSI Optix G24C. It has an excellent pixel density of 93 pixels-per-inch, leading to sharper and improved images. Couple that to an honest refresh rate (144 Hz), an exceptional contrast ratio of 3000:1, FreeSync, and superior color accuracy, and you have one of the best monitors for virtual aviation. If that wasn’t all, MSI Optix G24C has a wide-angle view of 178 degrees. Without a shadow of a doubt, this one makes for one of the best pictures that I have ever seen from a gaming computer.
It may not have the bells and whistles of more premium versions, but this 24-inch curved monitor doesn’t lack much. It delivers a solid gaming performance with smooth motion and fast response. I would have, definitely, fancied fancy lightening effects, and blur reduction, but at its cost, this one’s a bargain. For context, you can buy 3 MSI Optix G24C for the price of one ASUS XG32VQ!!!
Optix G24C features a solid build and a futuristic design. It hits the sweet spot between monotonous and shouting for attention. It is also quite ergonomic too, allowing for height (over 2.5 inches), tilt (15° back tilt and 5° forward), and swivel (30 degrees in both directions) adjustments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich Color | Faulty default grayscale accuracy |
| Exceptional Contrast | No Speaker or USB ports |
| Decent Refresh Rate | |
| Solid build quality | |
| Free Sync | |
| Uncanny Value for dollar |
5. LG 34WK650-W: Best Value Monitor for MSFS 2020
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 34 inches |
| Screen Resolution | FHD Ultra Wide 1080p |
| Response Time | 5 milliseconds |
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
| Panel Type | IPS |
Offering unmatched value and exceptional visual quality, LG 34WK650-W is one of the best gaming monitors for flight simulator 2020. This flat ultrawide monitor is larger than most other monitors, ensuring a larger playing field. Yes, I may have fancied a higher refresh rate and a better response time, but the monitor’s refresh rate of 75 Hz and response time of 5 milliseconds are quite adequate for a flight simulator.
LG 34WK650-W’s image quality is as appealing as its price tag. The resolution (2560×1080) is a bit of a let-down, but I don’t expect you to use this monitor alongside Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 TI. If you are willing to spend that much for a GPU, you will need to back it up with an equivalent investment in a monitor.
LG 34WK650-W’s boasts a modernesque design with thin bezels. In all fairness, this one is absolutely stunning. My only real concern is that the monitor isn’t ergonomically adjustable. It only offers height (up to 110 mm) and tilt (-5, 15 degrees) adjustments and doesn’t have a swivel range. Regardless, at its price, LG 34WK650-W packs a punch!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very close to optimal screen size | Doesn’t have the bells and whistles of high-end models |
| Unprecedented value per dollar | Blue HDR grayscale |
| FreeSync support | Not Ergonomic |
| Adequate Refresh rate | |
| Excellent visual quality | |
| Color Accuracy |
Which of these Monitors should you buy for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020?
All of the above-mentioned monitors were chosen after careful scrutiny. Each one of them is exceptional in its own right. While some are inexpensive, others are laced with superior specifications that will not only future-proof you but will also make your gameplay more immersive. That having been said, your choice depends upon three major factors:
- How much money are you willing to spend?
- Do you prefer a flat-screen monitor or a curved screen monitor?
- Do you prefer a single monitor or a multi-monitor setup?
The last two points are completely subjective. Although we have discussed the merits and demerits of all these setups, it all comes down to personnel preference. I prefer a curved ultra-wide monitor especially because Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 doesn’t offer any real kind of multi-monitor support. Hence, if I were buying, I’d buy one of ASUS ROG Strix XG32VQ and LG 34GP83A-B.
In conclusion, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is a top demanding game that requires a best-quality gaming monitor to fully experience its beauty. The above-mentioned gaming monitors are some of the best options available on the market these days, and they offer excellent visuals and smooth performance. Keeping in view your budget and preferences, you can choose among any of these monitors to multiply your gaming experience.