Best Gaming Monitors Right Now: Compare the LG and Samsung Price Drops

Hook: You want the best gaming display at the lowest real price — fast

Hunting through hundreds of listings, wondering which ‘sale’ is real, and fretting whether you’ll buy too early or miss a flash discount — that’s the daily grind for serious value shoppers in 2026. If you’re after a new gaming monitor, two brands dominate the headlines when major price drops hit: LG and Samsung. This guide compares the biggest LG and Samsung gaming monitor markdowns right now and answers the one question that matters: who gives you the best gaming value at each price point?

Quick verdict — who wins where

Short version for shoppers who want to act:

• Budget (<£200–£300): Samsung often offers the best pixel-for-refresh value with VA curved panels and strong contrast after discounts.
• Midrange (£300–£500): LG’s IPS and entry-level OLEDs deliver the best balance of response, colour accuracy and VRR support.
• High-end (£500–£1,000): Samsung’s Odyssey Neo / Mini‑LED curved models become the best value during heavy sales for HDR and brightness.
• Enthusiast / Ultra (>£1,000): LG’s OLED UltraGear variants often take the crown for competitive gamers who want OLED response and peak VRR support — if the discount is strong enough.

Why 2026 is different — trends shaping LG vs Samsung deals

Late 2025 and CES 2026 accelerated two big trends that affect prices and value:

• Wider OLED adoption for gaming — manufacturers (especially LG, the panel leader) moved OLED from niche 27" gaming models to broader SKUs with higher refresh and better burn‑in mitigation. That increased supply and produced steeper discounts on previous generations.
• Mini‑LED and quantum mini‑LED arms race — Samsung’s Neo and Odyssey lines pushed very high peak brightness and HDR performance, which pulled down prices on older mini‑LED and VA models.

Combine oversupply of PC panels with retailers clearing inventory ahead of spring 2026 launches, and you get unusually deep price drops on both brands. Smart buyers can leverage these to get premium features without the premium price.

How we compared models (short methodology)

We focused on the most heavily discounted LG and Samsung gaming monitors across UK retailers during January 2026. For each price tier we compared:

• Panel type (OLED / IPS / VA / Mini‑LED)
• Resolution and refresh rate (4K/1440p/1080p and Hz)
• Input options (HDMI 2.1 / DP / USB‑C)
• Adaptive sync support and latency
• HDR performance and brightness
• Real-world value after discount vs typical retail price

This is an evidence-first comparison aimed at shoppers ready to buy.

Price‑tier breakdown: Best LG vs Samsung value

Budget choice — under ~£300

What matters: low latency, high refresh (144Hz+), good contrast in dim rooms, and reliable VRR.

Typical discounted contenders:

• Samsung: Curved VA panels (24–27") offering 165Hz or 240Hz at rock-bottom sale prices; great contrast and deep blacks for immersive gaming.
• LG: IPS 1080p / 1440p 144–165Hz models with excellent motion clarity and wide viewing angles — slightly weaker contrast but stronger colours.

Who wins: Samsung for pure value if you mostly play darker RPGs and want deeper blacks on a tight budget. If colour accuracy or wider viewing angles matter (streaming, content creation alongside gaming), LG becomes competitive.

Actionable tip: look for Samsung VA models that drop to the low £200s during flash sales — they often beat comparable LG prices while delivering superior contrast. Verify return policy and check for “stuck pixel” guarantees when buying heavily discounted panels.

Midrange — £300 to £500

What matters: 1440p sweet spot, 144–240Hz, low input lag, HDR passable, and console compatibility (if you use a PS5 or Xbox Series X).

Typical discounted contenders:

• LG: 27" IPS 1440p/240Hz and entry-level OLED 27" 240Hz models frequently see 15–30% off. These excel at response time and colour precision.
• Samsung: Odyssey G7/G8 (curved 1000R variants), 1440p 240Hz VA and early mini‑LEDs can fall into this bracket on strong sales.

Who wins: LG often takes midrange because discounted IPS/OLED options combine low response time with superior colour and VRR support. That makes LG an especially good pick for competitive FPS players who also want punchy HDR and wider colour for content.

Expert note: in 2026, LG’s entry OLEDs include better burn‑in mitigation algorithms than 2023/24 models. That reduces long-term risk and improves the value equation at this price point.

High‑end — £500 to £1,000

What matters: 4K60–4K144, 1440p240, peak brightness, HDR, and connectivity for multiple consoles and GPUs.

Typical discounted contenders:

• Samsung: Odyssey Neo G8 and updated mini‑LED curved models offering 4K at 240Hz or 4K120 with strong HDR impact frequently hit deep discounts after a new product cycle.
• LG: OLED 27–32" UltraGear monitors and high refresh IPS models — strong pixel response and near‑instantaneous black levels.

Who wins: Samsung often gives better value in the high‑end bracket during heavy sales thanks to mini‑LED brightness and local dimming that outperform many OLEDs in sustained HDR scenes. If your games demand extreme HDR highlights and you play in a bright room, Samsung’s discounted mini‑LEDs are excellent value.

However, for fast‑paced esports and those prioritising absolute pixel response, discounted LG OLEDs can be worth the premium if burn‑in concerns are managed.

Enthusiast / Ultra — £1,000+

What matters: pinnacle HDR, 4K/240 or large ultrawide formats, top-tier colour and lag-free VRR across platforms.

Typical discounted contenders:

• LG: OLED panels and flagship UltraGear series — best-in-class blacks and near-instant response for competitive play plus cinematic HDR for single-player titles.
• Samsung: Odyssey Ark and top-tier Neo‑series curved behemoths that aim for spectacular HDR and immersive ultrawide / large-format gaming.

Who wins: Split decision. If you want cinematic immersion and absolute contrast, LG OLEDs are unbeatable in scenes where deep blacks matter. If you prefer ultra‑bright HDR and a larger, enveloping curve with mini‑LED local dimming, Samsung’s flagship models give better brightness-to-price on sale.

Case studies: Real deals and the decisions they force (late 2025–Jan 2026)

Rather than hypotheticals, here are two real‑style scenarios showing how to decide.

Case 1: Competitive gamer, capped GPU budget

Situation: You run an RTX 4070‑class card, play Valorant and CS2 at high frame rates, and want a monitor that prioritises 240Hz speed without breaking the bank.

Deal dynamics: A Samsung 27" 240Hz VA model drops by ~25% in January 2026 while an LG 27" IPS 240Hz falls by ~10%.

Decision: Go Samsung if you play in darker rooms and want better contrast or aim to save cash. Choose the LG only if you also do streaming and content creation where accurate colour and viewing angles matter.

Case 2: Console + PC hybrid, love single‑player visuals

Situation: You game on PS5 and PC, play single-player titles with rich HDR, and want a 4K/120 experience for consoles while not sacrificing PC input options.

Deal dynamics: Samsung Neo 32" mini‑LED 4K120 offers a 30% discount; LG 27" OLED 4K120 is on a 20% discount.

Decision: Samsung provides brighter HDR highlights and better peak luminance for cinematic scenes. LG gives perfect black and excellent HDR tone mapping for dark interiors. If you have a bright playroom, pick Samsung; for dim cinematic evenings, choose LG.

Practical buying checklist — use this before you click ‘buy’

1. Match resolution to GPU — 4K at 240Hz demands flagship GPUs. If your card averages under 100fps at target games, a 1440p 240Hz panel may be the smarter buy.
2. Check VRR and ports — Ensure the monitor supports both HDMI VRR (for consoles) and DisplayPort VRR (for PC). Many discounts hide models without full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth; verify 4K120/144 or 1440p240 support.
3. Read real user reviews — Look for reports on backlight blooming (mini‑LED) or image retention (OLED) on discounted units.
4. Confirm warranty and pixel policies — Heavy discounts sometimes mean older batches — verify retailer and manufacturer returns and pixel guarantees.
5. Use price tracking and alerts — Set trackers for the exact monitor model and a target price; many stores reissue small flash discounts that beat the advertised sale.
6. Consider timing — Post‑CES and pre‑spring launches are prime for clearance deals; late January to March 2026 remains strong for monitor markdowns.

Technical primer — the specs that move the value needle

Understanding the specs will prevent overspending on a number that looks impressive but won’t help your play style.

• Refresh rate vs resolution tradeoff — Higher Hz delivers smoother motion, but at 4K you need a powerful GPU to exploit 144–240Hz. 1440p is the best compromise for 240Hz on midrange GPUs.
• Response time vs pixel type — OLED offers near-instant pixel response; IPS gets fast with modern panels; VA often has higher persistence but stronger contrast.
• HDR performance — Peak brightness and local dimming (mini‑LED) matter more than HDR label stickers. Samsung’s mini‑LEDs typically win on peak brightness; LG OLEDs win on black level fidelity.
• Adaptive sync — Look for compatibility with both AMD and NVIDIA technologies (FreeSync/Adaptive Sync and G‑SYNC Compatible). In 2026, cross‑vendor VRR is more consistent than ever but check your monitor’s certified lists.

Advanced strategies to squeeze more savings

1. Stack discounts — Use cashback portals, student or trade discounts, and manufacturer vouchers where eligible. These can turn a good sale into a great one.
2. Buy last‑gen flagship — Last year’s OLED or Neo mini‑LED flagship will often drop 20–40% when a new model launches, delivering flagship performance at midrange prices.
3. Bundle opportunities — Retailers sometimes bundle monitors with game keys, chairs, or peripherals; if you need the add-ons, bundles can be better than the headline price.
4. Check open-box and refurbished — Manufacturer‑refurbished units often include warranty and can be heavily discounted. Prefer certified refurb over third‑party sellers without a warranty.
5. Use price-match windows — Many UK retailers have short price‑match policies. If you spot a cheaper store within a week of purchase, you can often reclaim the difference.

Common pitfalls — what to avoid when chasing monitor deals

• Avoid buying a high‑refresh 4K monitor without ensuring your GPU can use it. You’ll pay a premium for Hz that never gets used.
• Don’t ignore panel longevity — heavy discounts on OLEDs may be because retailers need to clear older stock with shorter remaining warranty or less favourable return status.
• Be wary of listings that hide VRR limitations — some HDMI 2.1 ports are limited or run at reduced bandwidth; confirm the real supported modes.
• Steer clear of deals with unclear seller ratings or no returns — the panel market has many seconds and B‑stock units that look like new in product‑pages but have reduced protection.

Future predictions — what to expect through 2026

Looking ahead, here’s where LG and Samsung deals are likely to go in 2026 based on industry signals from CES and late‑2025 supply trends:

• LG will keep pushing OLED into smaller, faster, and more affordable tiers. That will increase discount frequency on previous LG OLED gaming monitors as newer panels roll out.
• Samsung will refine mini‑LED and quantum mini‑LED, keeping price pressure on high‑brightness monitors. Expect periodic sharp markdowns on Neo/Odyssey models when inventory refreshes.
• Cross‑platform VRR and console/PC parity will keep improving, making midrange purchases (LG IPS or Samsung mini‑LED) more futureproof.

Practical takeaway: if you want top cinematic HDR, wait for a Samsung Neo drop; if you want ultra-fast response and deep blacks at a discount, snap a discounted LG OLED when it appears.

Final recommendations — pick by playstyle

If you’re a competitive player

Prioritise high refresh and low input lag. Seek out LG 240Hz IPS or Samsung 240Hz VA deals depending on whether you prioritise clarity (LG) or contrast (Samsung).

If you play single‑player or cinematic PC/console titles

Look for discounted Samsung Neo mini‑LED for bright HDR scenes or discounted LG OLED for perfect black and cinematic tone. Both are valid — choose by room lighting and whether you prefer peak highlights or black fidelity.

If you’re on a strict budget

Samsung’s budget curved VA models are unbeatable after aggressive price drops. Verify VRR support and refresh rate before buying.

Actionable checklist before you buy

• Confirm the model number and current sale price against our target price tracker.
• Read recent user reviews for reported issues on that batch or retailer.
• Check the manufacturer warranty length and returns window.
• Stack cashback or credit‑card protections where possible.
• Decide by playstyle: competitive speed (LG IPS/OLED) vs HDR/brightness (Samsung mini‑LED).

Closing — get the best deal without buyer’s remorse

Both LG and Samsung are running some of the most significant monitor markdowns we’ve seen going into 2026. The right pick depends on your priorities: contrast and peak HDR from Samsung’s mini‑LEDs, or ultra‑fast pixel response and perfect blacks from LG’s OLEDs. Use the price‑tier breakdown and checklist above to match the best discounted model to your GPU, room lighting and gaming style.

Ready to save? Set price alerts for the exact LG and Samsung models you want, stack cashback, and be ready to move when the next flash discount appears — the best deals this cycle won’t last long.

Call to action

Want curated, verified alerts for the deepest LG and Samsung monitor price drops? Sign up for our deal alerts and get the best offers sent straight to your inbox — we vet coupons and verify stock so you don’t have to. Grab a top gaming display at the lowest real price today.

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