From panel technology to refresh rates, there are a lot of things to consider when looking for a new gaming monitor. To aid you on your journey for the perfect setup, we're breaking down two of the most common display technology terms: LED and LCD. Here's what you need to know about LED and LCD screens, what the terms stand for, and how they factor into modern gaming monitors.

What is LCD and how does it work?

　　In the past, some LCDs were backlit by CCFLs (cold-cathode fluorescent lamps). LCDs with fluorescent backlighting have been around longer, so if you can find one, they will be cheaper than LED monitors. However, if you're a gamer looking for decent refresh rates and response times, it's going to be hard to find a monitor with fluorescent backlighting. They've almost completely been replaced by LCD monitors with LED backlights.

　　PROS OF LCD*

　　None: You probably won't find a decent gaming monitor with fluorescent backlighting at this time.CONS OF LCD*

　　ScarcityUses more powerContains mercury, so contributes to pollution at the end of its lifecycleLower contrast in graphics*with fluorescent backlighting

What is LED and how does it work?

　　In contrast to fluorescent backlighting, LED backlighting generally provides brighter colors and sharper contrast. The monitors are also thinner in size and, in the long run, more energy efficient than LCDs with fluorescent backlights. LED backlighting is the newer technology and the current standard for monitors with high refresh rates and fast response times. When you see LCD in product descriptions, they're almost always LCD monitors that use LED (as opposed to fluorescent) backlighting. For example, BenQ's EL2870U monitor is listed as an LCD, but it's an LCD with LED backlighting.

　　There are different types of LED backlighting: edge-lit and array-lit. In edge-lit monitors, the lights are placed around the edges of the monitor. Light guides are then used to diffuse the light evenly across the screen. In array-lit monitors, lights are placed behind the screen in a pattern.

　　The tricky thing, however, is that it's pretty much impossible to tell what type of backlight and how many backlights a monitor has based on a typical product description. Some manufacturers will share that info, but generally they won't unless the backlight setup is a premium feature you're paying for.

　　For example, some edge-lit and array-lit LEDs have local dimming capabilities, a feature that can selectively dim certain zones of LED lights. Local dimming improves contrast ratio and provides deeper blacks in dimly lit scenes. These monitors, however, tend to be pricey. Some well-reviewed options include the Samsung Odyssey G7 and Philips Momentum 436M6VBPAB, both of which are edge-lit monitors with partial local dimming capabilities. The Acer Predator X35 is an (expensive) full-array monitor with full local dimming (FALD) capabilities.

　　PROS OF LED

　　Ubiquitously available: Modern gaming monitors will generally be LED.No mercury, so easier to recycleBetter color contrast and thinner monitor sizeMore energy efficient than monitors with fluorescent backlightsCONS OF LED

　　...None, until the next, better display technology becomes more widely available

So which is better for gaming: LED or LCD?

　　Which backlights a monitor has isn't as important as other factors such as panel technology, refresh rates and response time, G-Sync vs. FreeSync, and HDR --those are the characteristics you should pay more attention to when choosing a monitor. If you're not looking to break the bank, a couple of great LED monitors at excellent price points we can recommend are the Asus VP249QGR, a nice budget 1080p monitor, and Acer XF250Q Cbmiiprx 24.5, a well-reviewed budget 240Hz monitor.

　　Asus VP249QGR

　　1080p, 144Hz with FreeSync

　　See at Amazon

　　Acer XF250Q

　　1080p, 240Hz with FreeSync/G-Sync Compatible

　　See at Amazon

　　Check out our guide to the best cheap gaming monitors for more budget options; plus, see our picks for the best monitors for PS5 and Xbox Series X, best 144Hz monitors, and the best 4K gaming monitors for more LED displays worth picking up.

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