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Best Mini LED monitor 2025 – our top picks

Charlie Noon
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Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Best Mini LED monitor 2025 – our top picks
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Mini LED is one of the latest display technologies to emerge from the ever-changing monitor landscape, delivering stunning picture quality when compared to standard LED alternatives. Mini LED monitors operate by using a backlight comprised of thousands of mini LEDs, resulting in deeper blacks and better contrast while reducing image artifacts such as blooming and haloing.

While Mini LED monitors don’t quite offer the same image quality found in the best OLED monitors, they do have a slew of benefits that make them a worthwhile consideration, including higher peak brightness, durability, and no risk of burn-in

We’ve seen Mini LED monitors grow in popularity over the past couple of years, with pricing now starting to subside and models more readily available. Most feature 4K screen resolutions and pretty speedy refresh rates – with many tailored towards the gaming marketplace. They can’t quite keep up with OLEDs when it comes to response time, but then again, nothing does.

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Overall, we’re big fans of Mini LED monitors, having tested some of the market’s leading options. In this guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the market’s best offerings, alongside details on why you may consider one for your next purchase.

Products at a glance

How do we pick the best mini LED monitor?

Choosing the best mini LED monitor involves a meticulous process. It isn't just about identifying the monitors with the most promising specifications on paper, but also about understanding real-world performance. We analyze user reviews and professional critiques to glean insights into the actual user experience. Factors such as brightness consistency, color accuracy out of the box, and the efficiency of the local dimming feature are scrutinized.

Additionally, we place a significant emphasis on the monitor's reliability and durability. A great display should not only impress in its initial performance but should also stand the test of time. Therefore, we factor in brand reputation, warranty offerings, and customer service responsiveness.

Best Mini LED monitors: our top picks

Best Mini LED monitor
  • ASUS ROG SWift PG32UQX

Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX

Specifications
  • Screen size: 32″
  • Refresh rate: 144Hz
  • Resolution: 3840 x 2160
  • Response time: 1ms
  • Panel technology: Mini LED
Reasons to Buy
  • Great for HDR gaming
  • Supports next-gen consoles
  • Solid, gamey aesthetic and build
  • Immersive 32 inch screen size
Reasons to Avoid
  • Not great for competitive gaming
  • Will require a powerful PC to run at optimal levels

Our best Mini LED monitor goes to the ASUS ROG SWIFT PG32UQX, and for good reason – it delivers everything you could want for an outstanding gaming experience.

When it comes to specs, the PG32UQX boasts a 4K resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate, VESA DisplayHDR 1400 certification, and 98% DCI-P3 coverage for vibrant colors. As we know, the PG32UQX features Mini LED backlight technology, boasting 1152 local dimming zones for fantastic contrast. At 32 inches, it offers a perfect balance of size and immersion, complemented by a premium IPS panel designed for high-end gaming.

Overall, what we have here is a well-rounded display that offers fantastic performance whether you’re gaming, creating, or just browsing. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend this monitor for everyday use, as it comes with a pretty steep price tag. However, if you want to be immersed during gameplay, this has got to be one of the standout performers in the Mini LED space.

Next best
  • A ViewSonic 4K gaming monitor with an Elite logo.

ViewSonic ELITE XG321UG

Specifications
  • Screen size: 32″
  • Refresh rate: 144Hz
  • Resolution: 3840 x 2160
  • Response time: 1ms
  • Panel technology: Mini LED
Reasons to Buy
  •  Boosted 4K technology
  •  Fantastic depth of color
  •  Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate and Nvidia Reflex for gaming performance
  • High 4K screen resolution increases overall image quality
Reasons to Avoid
  • Powerful PC needed for 4K screen resolution

Named as our next best in the Mini LED space, the ViewSonic ELITE XG321UG is a display we'd love to get hands-on with – and for good reason. While it comes with a premium price tag, it delivers a truly stunning mini LED experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers who demand exceptional color accuracy and HDR performance.

The standout feature of the XG321UG is its 1,152-zone mini LED backlighting, which, when combined with true 10-bit color depth and VESA DisplayHDR 1400 certification, results in breathtaking contrast, vibrant colors, and crystal-clear image quality. This is all housed within a 32-inch 4K IPS panel, ensuring a bright, high-end display that enhances both gaming and content creation.

Designed for immersive gameplay, the XG321UG supports a 144Hz refresh rate, though its 3ms response time means there are faster options for ultra-competitive players. However, with Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate and Nvidia Reflex, it still delivers smooth, tear-free gaming with reduced input lag – making it a solid choice for high-performance gaming.

Best large screen Mini LED monitor
  • Samsung odyssey Ark Gen 2

SAMSUNG Odyssey Ark

Specifications
  • Screen size: 55″
  • Refresh rate: 165Hz
  • Resolution: 3840 x 2160
  • Response time: 1ms
  • Panel technology: Mini LED
Reasons to Buy
  • Ark dial controller for easy function access
  •  Immersive surround sound with corners of speakers and central woofers
  •  Cockpit mode is a multitasker’s paradise
Reasons to Avoid
  • Might be too large for standard desks
  •  Absence of USB-C limits the connectivity options

The SAMSUNG Odyssey Ark isn't just a monitor; it's an experience. With its immense 55″ display, it effortlessly blurs the lines between a gaming monitor and a TV. Featuring a 3840×2160 resolution, combined with a refresh rate of 165Hz, it promises buttery smooth gameplay, while the 1000R curvature immerses you into any game, movie, or project you’re working on

However, where the Odyssey Ark truly shines is in its innovative features and design. The built-in surround sound, courtesy of its corner-placed speakers and center woofers, envelops you in high-quality audio, eliminating the need for external speakers. But, the real game-changer? It's unique cockpit mode.

In terms of design, it's clear that Samsung intended to make a statement. The Odyssey Ark is bold and demands attention. However, its size might not be for everyone. You'd need a deep desk to accommodate this behemoth or risk it dominating your space.

Best mid-range Mini LED monitor
  • A gaming monitor featuring the mesmerizing image of the Tempest GP707, powered by Quantum Dot technology.

Cooler Master Tempest GP27U

Specifications
  • Screen size: 27″
  • Refresh rate: 160Hz
  • Resolution: 3840 x 2160
  • Response time: 1ms
  • Panel technology: Mini LED
Reasons to Buy
  •  VESA mount compatibility adds versatility.
  •  Versatile refresh rate.
  •  Outstanding value for a mini-LED monitor.
Reasons to Avoid
  •  Inconsistent local dimming performance.
  •  The panel quality could be improved.

The Cooler Master Tempest GP27U is an attractive proposition for those who are keen on jumping into the mini LED arena without breaking the bank. At 27 inches, this monitor offers a 1440p resolution, hitting that sweet spot for many users who desire a blend of pixel density and screen real estate.

The gaming crowd will appreciate the smoothness of the display – courtesy of its 165Hz refresh rate, combined with an impressive 1ms response time. Moreover, being compatible with both AMD's FreeSync and Nvidia's G-Sync means that users will experience minimal screen tearing, irrespective of their GPU choice.

Best ultrawide Mini LED monitor
  • Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

SAMSUNG Odyssey Neo G9

Specifications
  • Screen Size: 49-57″
  • Refresh rate: 240Hz
  • Resolution: 7680 x 2160
  • Response time: 1ms
  • Panel technology: Mini LED
Reasons to Buy
  • Speedy refresh rate makes this is a standout monitor for smooth visuals
  • High VESA DisplayHDR2000 certification delivers excellent HDR performance
  • 1000R curvature for true immersion
Reasons to Avoid
  • Not ideal for many weaker desks
  • Stand can be wobbly in some positions

The latest refresh of Samsung's Odyssey G9 enhances performance where it truly matters. Rather than simply pushing higher refresh rates, Samsung has focused on upgrading the backlight technology, delivering deeper immersion, richer colors, and a significant HDR boost.

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 packs top-tier features, including a brand-new CSOT VA panel and Mini-LED backlighting. Like its predecessor, it boasts an ultra-wide 5120 x 1440 resolution, 1ms response time, and 240Hz refresh rate – an ideal combination for an immersive, high-performance gaming experience.

When it comes to color accuracy, expect 125% sRGB coverage (95% DCI-P3), fully meeting HDR's Wide Color Gamut (WCG) standards. The VESA DisplayHDR 2000 certification ensures breathtaking brightness and contrast, making HDR content truly shine.

Of course, premium performance comes at a premium price. The Neo G9 hits the shelves at over $2,500, so be prepared to invest if you want the ultimate super ultrawide gaming monitor.

Mini LED vs LED: What’s the main difference?

Mini LED technology, a subset of the broader LED category, offers distinct advantages over its counterparts. Unlike traditional LED displays, which use a few hundred larger LEDs, mini LED backlight screens utilize thousands of smaller LEDs. This higher count allows for localized dimming, resulting in deeper blacks, higher peak brightness, and more vibrant colors, a feature particularly noticeable when viewing HDR content.

When considering a mini LED monitor, it's crucial to think beyond just the display technology. The resolution, refresh rate, and color accuracy ensure the visual experience meets one's expectations. Also, compatibility with various devices, the range of ports provided, and even the build quality and design of the monitor can influence the overall satisfaction of the user.

Why choose a Mini LED monitor over an OLED?

While OLED monitors arguably offer the best picture quality in today’s market, that doesn’t mean they totally overshadow Mini LED models. In fact, Mini LED monitors have plenty going for them, making them a great choice for a number of different scenarios. Below, we’ll list some of the core benefits of buying Mini LED:

  • Significantly higher peak brightness when compared to OLED
  • Excellent local dimming without promising on contrast
  • Likely to feature better durability than OLED
  • No risk of burn-in

Final thoughts

Choosing the best mini LED monitor is no small feat, especially with so many high-quality options available in the market. Each of the monitors we've explored brings something unique to the table, catering to different needs and preferences. From top-notch 4K performance to impressive surround sound experiences and even budget-friendly options that don't compromise on quality, there's a mini LED monitor for everyone.

Mini LED technology, without a doubt, is paving the way for the future of display technology. The advancements it offers, particularly in terms of brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, make it a superior choice for most applications. Whether you're a professional looking for precise color accuracy or a gamer aiming for a visually immersive experience, a mini LED monitor is sure to enhance your digital interactions.

Not quite what you're looking for? Check out this guide to the best curved monitors. We also have more niche guides, like this one for the best monitors for the RTX 4070 Ti GPU, or the best G-Sync monitors.

About the Author

Charlie Noon

Charlie is the Affiliate manager for PC Guide. He has a vast understanding of most PC hardware and consumer essentials, using his knowledge to provide the best products and the biggest deals.