The world of live streaming has exploded in recent years, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch their favorite gamers, artists, and entertainers. As the popularity of streaming continues to grow, so does the importance of having the right equipment. One of the most crucial components of a streamer’s setup is their monitor. A good monitor can make all the difference in providing a high-quality viewing experience for your audience. But what monitors do the top streamers use?
Why Monitor Choice Matters for Streamers
When it comes to streaming, a monitor is not just a device for displaying video games or other content. It’s an essential tool that can affect the overall quality of your stream. A good monitor can provide a number of benefits, including:
- Fast response time: This is critical for gamers, as it ensures that the action on screen is smooth and responsive.
- High refresh rate: A high refresh rate can provide a more immersive viewing experience, making it feel like you’re right in the game.
- Good color accuracy: This is important for streamers who want to ensure that their games or other content look their best.
- Low input lag: This is critical for gamers, as it ensures that the action on screen is responsive and doesn’t feel delayed.
Top Streamers and Their Monitors
So, what monitors do the top streamers use? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular streamers and their monitor choices.
Ninja
Ninja, whose real name is Richard Tyler Blevins, is a professional gamer and streamer who has become a household name. He’s known for playing games like Fortnite and Apex Legends, and has a massive following on Twitch.
Ninja uses the Acer Predator XB273K monitor, which is a 27-inch 4K IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate. This monitor is a popular choice among gamers, thanks to its fast response time and high refresh rate.
Tfue
Tfue, whose real name is Turner Tenney, is a professional gamer and streamer who has gained a massive following on Twitch. He’s known for playing games like Fortnite and Call of Duty, and is considered one of the best gamers in the world.
Tfue uses the ASUS VG278Q monitor, which is a 27-inch Full HD TN display with a 144Hz refresh rate. This monitor is a popular choice among gamers, thanks to its fast response time and high refresh rate.
Shroud
Shroud, whose real name is Michael Grzesiek, is a professional gamer and streamer who has gained a massive following on Twitch. He’s known for playing games like Apex Legends and Call of Duty, and is considered one of the best gamers in the world.
Shroud uses the Acer Predator X34 monitor, which is a 34-inch ultrawide IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This monitor is a popular choice among gamers, thanks to its immersive viewing experience and fast response time.
Monitor Specifications: What to Look for
When it comes to choosing a monitor for streaming, there are a number of specifications to consider. Here are some of the most important ones to look for:
- Resolution: Look for a monitor with a high resolution, such as 4K or QHD. This will provide a sharper and more detailed image.
- Refresh rate: A high refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, can provide a more immersive viewing experience.
- Response time: Look for a monitor with a fast response time, such as 1ms or 2ms. This will ensure that the action on screen is smooth and responsive.
- Panel type: IPS, TN, and VA are the most common panel types. IPS panels are known for their good color accuracy, while TN panels are known for their fast response time.
- Connectivity options: Make sure the monitor has the right connectivity options, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB.
IPS vs TN vs VA: Which Panel Type is Best for Streaming?
When it comes to choosing a monitor for streaming, one of the most important decisions is the panel type. IPS, TN, and VA are the most common panel types, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
- IPS panels are known for their good color accuracy and wide viewing angles. They’re a popular choice among streamers who want to ensure that their games or other content look their best.
- TN panels are known for their fast response time and low input lag. They’re a popular choice among gamers, thanks to their smooth and responsive performance.
- VA panels are known for their good contrast ratio and deep blacks. They’re a popular choice among streamers who want to create a more immersive viewing experience.
Conclusion
Choosing the right monitor for streaming is a critical decision that can affect the overall quality of your stream. By considering the specifications and panel type, you can find a monitor that meets your needs and provides a high-quality viewing experience for your audience. Whether you’re a professional gamer or just starting out, a good monitor can make all the difference in your streaming setup.
| Streamer | Monitor | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Response Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja | Acer Predator XB273K | 4K | 144Hz | 1ms |
| Tfue | ASUS VG278Q | Full HD | 144Hz | 1ms |
| Shroud | Acer Predator X34 | 3440 x 1440 | 120Hz | 2ms |
Note: The information in this article is subject to change and may not be up-to-date. The monitor choices of top streamers can change over time, and new monitors may be released that offer better performance and features.
What monitors do top streamers use for their streams?
Top streamers use a variety of monitors, but some popular choices include the ASUS VG248QE, Acer Predator XB273K, and the ViewSonic XG240R. These monitors offer high refresh rates, fast response times, and good color accuracy, making them well-suited for fast-paced games and high-quality video.
The specific monitor used can depend on the streamer’s personal preferences, budget, and the type of content they are streaming. Some streamers may prioritize high refresh rates for smooth gameplay, while others may focus on color accuracy for more visually demanding games.
What is the ideal monitor size for streaming?
The ideal monitor size for streaming depends on the streamer’s personal preference and the type of content they are streaming. Some streamers prefer larger monitors, such as 27-32 inches, for an immersive gaming experience. Others may prefer smaller monitors, such as 24-25 inches, for a more focused and compact setup.
A larger monitor can provide a more immersive experience, but it may also be more expensive and take up more space. A smaller monitor, on the other hand, can be more affordable and easier to manage, but it may not provide the same level of immersion.
What is the importance of refresh rate for streaming?
Refresh rate is an important factor for streaming, as it can affect the smoothness and quality of the video. A higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, can provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. This is especially important for fast-paced games that require quick reflexes and precise movements.
A higher refresh rate can also help reduce screen tearing and motion blur, which can be distracting and affect the overall quality of the stream. However, it’s worth noting that a higher refresh rate may not be noticeable to all viewers, especially those with lower-end hardware.
What is the difference between TN, IPS, and VA panels for streaming?
TN (twisted nematic), IPS (in-plane switching), and VA (vertical alignment) are different types of monitor panels that offer varying levels of color accuracy, viewing angles, and response times. TN panels are known for their fast response times and low input lag, making them well-suited for fast-paced games.
IPS panels, on the other hand, offer better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, making them well-suited for more visually demanding games and applications. VA panels offer a balance between color accuracy and response time, making them a good all-around choice for streaming.
Do top streamers use 4K monitors for their streams?
Some top streamers use 4K monitors for their streams, but it’s not a requirement for high-quality streaming. 4K monitors offer higher resolutions and more detailed graphics, but they can also be more expensive and require more powerful hardware to run smoothly.
Many streamers opt for lower resolutions, such as 1080p or 1440p, which can provide a good balance between quality and performance. Additionally, not all viewers may have the hardware to support 4K streaming, so it’s not always necessary to use a 4K monitor.
Can I use a gaming monitor for streaming?
Yes, you can use a gaming monitor for streaming. In fact, many gaming monitors are well-suited for streaming due to their high refresh rates, fast response times, and good color accuracy. Gaming monitors are designed to provide a smooth and responsive gaming experience, which can also benefit streaming.
When choosing a gaming monitor for streaming, look for features such as high refresh rates, low input lag, and good color accuracy. You should also consider the monitor’s connectivity options, such as HDMI and DisplayPort, to ensure it can connect to your streaming equipment.
How much should I spend on a monitor for streaming?
The amount you should spend on a monitor for streaming depends on your budget, personal preferences, and the type of content you are streaming. You can find good quality monitors for streaming in the $200-$500 range, which can offer high refresh rates, good color accuracy, and fast response times.
If you’re looking for a high-end monitor with advanced features, such as 4K resolution or high-end color accuracy, you may need to spend $1000 or more. However, it’s worth noting that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good quality monitor for streaming.