Whether you’re an Xbox One gamer or a PC owner with an AMD graphics card, it is imperative to have FreeSync support when you are going to choose display for the purpose. The good thing is that FreeSync monitors have become more affordable than ever and you can get one too without breaking the bank.
FreeSync 2 (later renamed FreeSync Premium Pro) was introduced at the CES 2017 and it was designed especially for higher quality monitors that support variable refresh rate as well as additional premium features. If you’re in the market for choosing a FreeSync 2 monitor, this comprehensive buying guide is perfect for you!
AMD FreeSync vs FreeSync 2: What’s the Difference?
Screen tearing and image stuttering are the most irritating things that gamers have to face. Luckily, there are refresh-rate-adjusting technologies such as Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, which can improve your gaming experience by far.
FreeSync 2 is a recently released version of FreeSync with new updates and additional premium features. Though FreeSync 2 might sound like a successor of FreeSync, it is not. Both these technologies co-exist in the market serving different purposes.
If you’re a casual gamer, you can do well with FreeSync as it isn’t obsolete and is more affordable than FreeSync 2. Gamers should also note that not all games support the newer FreeSync technology yet.
FreeSync 2, as stated above, brings a few additional characteristics to the table. These include HDR support, low framerate compensation, and low latency.
HDR Support
The FreeSync 2 supports dynamic refresh rate as well as high dynamic range (HDR). It also features higher brightness and wider than standard RGB color gamut. This improves the image quality by far as compared to a monitor with FreeSync support.
Low FPS Compensation
Displays can vary their refresh rate only to a certain range and when you play a game that isn’t supported at a particular rate, image tearing occurs. Low framerate compensation, or LFC, solves this problem simply multiplying frames and as a result extending the supported refresh rate window.
Low Latency
The FreeSync 2 makes sure that the input lag won’t be more than a few milliseconds. The time which the signal input takes to display on the screen is an important factor to be considered especially if you’re a gaming console owner. With the introduction of low latency in FreeSync 2, the input lag has decreased and thus made it easier for the competitive gamers.
Here are the 7 Best FreeSync 2 Monitors:
Looking for the best gaming display to pair with your AMD graphics card? Then you should definitely consider FreeSync 2 monitors in order to get smooth, stutter-free performance with excellent HDR image quality. Below are our picks for the best FreeSync 2 monitor at every price range, size, and resolution:
- Best FreeSync 2 Gaming Monitor: Asus ROG Strix XG32VQR
- Best Budget FreeSync 2 Monitor: AOC AGON AG322QC4
- Quantum Dot Freesync 2 Gaming Monitor: Samsung C32HG70
- Best 4K FreeSync 2 Monitor: Asus ROG Strix XG438Q
- Best for Xbox One X: BenQ EX3203R
- Awesome Immersion: LG 32GK850F-B
- Large UltraWide Gaming Monitor: Samsung 49-Inch CRG9
1. Asus ROG Strix XG32VQR
Best FreeSync 2 Gaming Monitor
Specifications:
- Panel size: 31.5 inches
- Native resolution: 2560 X 1440p
- Panel type: VA
- Maximum refresh: 144 Hz
- Response: 4 ms
- Contrast: 3000 : 1
- VESA Mount: 100 X 100 mm
- Connectivity: 2 X USB 3.0, 1 X 3.5 mm
The Asus ROG Strix XG32VQR will always be a big player in the gaming monitor competition. It is a 31.5 inch curved screen with a VA panel that features 1440p. The monitor also features HDR and has a VESA Display HDR 400 certification.
When you turn on the monitor, the richness and depth of the vibrant colors is quite noticeable. No matter what the tones or shades are on display, there is significant warmth in them. There are some RGB settings which can make the overall lighting system of the monitor more exciting.
There are a lot of adjustments available such as swivel, tilt, and height adjustments. The screen can be rotated right or left and can be raised to 100 mm. You can also tilt it 20 degrees backward or 5 degrees forward.
There are also lots of controls available for the ease of gamers that allows you to improve your gaming performance. The asymmetric motifs are noticeable with the stand.
2. AOC AGON AG322QC4
Best Budget FreeSync 2 Monitor
AOC Gaming AG322QC4 Monitor Piatto per PC 80 cm (31.5″) Wide Quad HD LED Curvo Opaco Nero »
Specifications:
- Screen size: 32 inches
- Resolution: 2560 X 1440
- Static contrast: 3000:1
- Panel type: VA
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz
- Response time: 4 ms
- Weight: 6.6 kg
AOC is well-known for introducing premium monitors that are equipped with latest technology. The monitor supports FreeSync 2 along with HDR and LFC. The resolution of 2560 X 1440 is perfect for most of the gamers. Its curvature of 1800 R provides an immersive gaming experience and superb peripheral vision.
Other notable features include improved black levels, high peak brightness, more bit depth, and a higher color gamut.
The AOC AGON monitor is designed especially for gamers; it has a slim and sleek look with slim bezels on its three sides. AOC has also included a plug-in controller in the package which looks like a small mouse with multi-buttons.
The monitor is equipped with gamer-friendly features such as the low-lag mode and the ability to toggle multiple levels of pixels.
3. Samsung C32HG70
Quantum Dot Freesync 2 Gaming Monitor
SAMSUNG LC32HG70QQN, C32HG70 32″ HDR QLED 144Hz 1ms Curved Gaming Monitor with Freesync »
Specifications:
- Screen size: 27 inches
- Panel type: SVA
- Response time: 1 ms
- Resolution: 2560 X 1440 QHD
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz
- Weight: 4.6 kg
The Samsung C32HG70 is equipped with the Quantum Dot technology which provides billion shades of accurate colors and makes the display perfect for designers and editors. It is equipped with nano-crystals which provide 84 to 88% NTSC color gamut coverage.
The monitor features 144 Hz refresh rate, 1 ms response time, and HDR support. The C32HG70 can also serve as the best gaming monitor because of the curved screen which provides immersive experience.
The Samsung QLED monitor features support for HDR which improves the user experience with twice the perceivable color and brightness. The motion blur technology along with the VA panel allows you to enjoy your favorite games without motion blur on the screen.
Overall, the monitor gives excellent performance if you’re up for playing games or watching movies.
4. Asus ROG Strix XG438Q
Best 4K FreeSync 2 Monitor
Specifications:
- Screen size: 43 inches diagonal
- Resolution: 3840 X 2160
- Panel type: VA
- Response time: 4 ms
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
- Speakers: 2 X 10W
The Asus ROG Strix XG438Q is a huge monitor equipped with great features. Though the monitor is one of the most expensive ones available on the market, it delivers excellent value for money.
It features AMD FreeSync 2, HDR, and a 4k resolution which is perfect for both PC and console gamers. The monitor works both on Nvidia and AMD graphics card and runs at 120 Hz.
The VESA DisplayHDR 600 is of mid-range standard and the 4 ms response time is good too. The bezels around this monitor are thicker than those of gaming monitors and overall it looks like a TV. Also, because of its huge size, the adjustment options are limited.
5. BenQ EX3203R
Best for Xbox One X
Specifications:
- Screen size: 31.5 inches
- Panel type: VA
- Response time: 4 ms
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz
- Resolution: 2560 X 1440
- Weight: 8.1 kg
BenQ has recently introduced its line of gaming monitors, among which this one supports FreeSync 2. It is a 32-inch curved gaming monitor and is perfect for Xbox One X and Xbox One S. It has a refresh rate of 144 Hz and screen resolution of 1440p.
It has a VA panel which is known for its high static contrast. Apart from these features, the monitor has a good design with ultra-slim bezels. The 1800 R curvature makes viewing experience more immersive for the gamers.
There are ambient light sensors, too, that detect the ambient light levels and the color temperature and adjust them according to the surroundings.
The USB-C port on the BenQ monitor carries high resolution audio and video and high speed data transfers. It is also equipped with the HDR technology that improves the gaming experience and provide a life-like experience to the user.
The BenQ EX3203R is great for Xbox One X as well as for those users who are looking for large curved PC monitor.
6. LG 32GK850F
Awesome Immersion
LG UltraGear 32-inch QHD Gaming Monitor (32GK850F-B) with Radeon Freesync 2 Technology »
Specifications:
- Screen size: 31.5 inches
- Resolution: 2560 X 1440
- Panel type: VA
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz
- Response time: 5 ms
- Weight: 8.3 kg
This LG monitor supports FreeSync 2 and is one of the most capable high refresh rate VA monitors. It features a strong contrast, good responsiveness, and a decent color output. The monitor has a lot to offer to both the AMD and Nvidia GPU users as well as console gamers who want an improved gaming experience.
The monitor has a minimalistic and bezel less design and it also features a dual-stage setup. It is quite lightweight, and you can find a supporting VESA mount to improve the functionality.
The VA panel used in the monitor is perfect and the maximum contrast ratio of 2900:1 gives excellent visibility and richness to the screen.
The LG 32GK850F is an excellent gaming monitor and is ideal for those who are looking for good quality HDR experience. The monitor’s decent pixel transition and low input lag makes it perfect for all the competitive and fast-paced action titles.
7. Samsung 49-inch CRG9
Large UltraWide Gaming Monitor
SAMSUNG LC49RG90SSNXZA 49-Inch CRG9 Curved Gaming Monitor »
Specifications:
- Screen size: 49 inches
- Resolution: 5120 X 1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
- Contrast ratio: 3000:1
- Panel type: VA
- Aspect ratio: 32:9
The Samsung CRG9 is an ultra-wide monitor that features Quantum Dot technology and has a curved screen. It is a gorgeous gaming monitor but is quite expensive. It has thin bezels like other gaming monitors and are all black except for the bottom bezel that features a gunmetal finish.
The monitor is HDR 1000 compatible and is equipped with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. It comes with a stand which allows you to do some minor swivel and tilt functions. Though it is a large monitor but it offers decent adjustments which improves the overall user experience.
The CRG9 also features a lot of ports and connections which include HDMI 2.0 port, two USB 3.0 ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. The deep 1800R curve of the display improves the immersive experience and the screen looks more clear and crisp.
The monitor is a premium one as it is equipped with cutting edge technology which definitely outlasts your gaming rig.
Bottom Line
There are not many FreeSync 2 supported monitors available in the market yet. The biggest reason of this rarity is that the FreeSync 2 monitors have to be approved by AMD first. FreeSync 2 is a big improvement and it contains very important additional features as compared to FreeSync. We hope that we’ll be able to see more FreeSync 2 supported monitors in the future.
The only drawback of FreeSync 2 as compared to FreeSync is that it is more expensive than the latter. All the FreeSync 2 monitors reviewed in this post offer great value for money so they are definitely good to go.
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