In the era of OLED and 360Hz LCD panels, it might seem counterintuitive that serious gamers are hunting down 20-year-old tube monitors. But in 2026, the CRT revival is real and growing. The physics of cathode ray tube displays produce properties that modern flat panels are still working to replicate: zero input lag, continuous phosphor rendering without backlight strobing, and the ability to hit refresh rates that modern panels only recently approached. Here are five CRT monitors that retro gaming communities consistently recommend.
Quick Comparison
| Monitor | Best For | Est. Price (Used Market) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Trinitron GDM-FW900 | Widescreen PC gaming, premium image | $300-$800 | ★★★★★ |
| Sony PVM-20M4U (Professional) | Console retro gaming, RGB input | $400-$1,000 | ★★★★★ |
| Mitsubishi Diamond Plus 200 | High-res PC gaming, sharp aperture grille | $80-$200 | ★★★★☆ |
| ViewSonic P225f | Budget 21-inch PC gaming CRT | $40-$120 | ★★★★☆ |
| NEC MultiSync FP2141SB | High-refresh competitive gaming | $60-$180 | ★★★★☆ |
1. Sony Trinitron GDM-FW900
The GDM-FW900 is widely considered the holy grail of PC gaming CRTs. At 24 inches with a 16:10 widescreen aspect ratio - extremely rare for a CRT - it supports resolutions up to 2560x1600 and refresh rates up to 160Hz at 1024x768. The Trinitron aperture grille technology produces exceptional color saturation and sharpness that still impresses in 2026. Units are now collectible and command prices of $300-$800 depending on condition and convergence quality. If you want the best CRT gaming experience possible and are willing to invest, this is the benchmark.
Pros: Widescreen CRT (extremely rare), exceptional image quality, 160Hz at gaming resolutions Cons: Very heavy (90+ lbs), expensive on the used market, finding a pristine unit is difficult
View Sony Trinitron CRT on Amazon
2. Sony PVM-20M4U Professional Monitor
The Sony PVM series was designed for broadcast and video production, which means it was built to exacting standards for color accuracy and longevity. The 20M4U accepts RGB, component, S-Video, and composite inputs, making it perfect for retro console gaming where native RGB output from a Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, or PlayStation 1 produces the sharpest possible image. The smaller screen size (around 19 inches viewable) means higher pixel density and a crisper picture per inch. These units fetch premium prices because the retro gaming community has recognized their quality.
Pros: Professional build quality, RGB input for retro consoles, sharp per-inch image Cons: Expensive, professional weight, no PC VGA input on most units
View Sony PVM Monitor on Amazon
3. Mitsubishi Diamond Plus 200
The Mitsubishi Diamond Plus 200 is a 22-inch aperture grille monitor that offers excellent sharpness for PC gaming without the GDM-FW900’s price tag or weight. It supports 1600x1200 resolution and achieves 85Hz at that resolution, or 120Hz at 1024x768. The Diamondtron aperture grille (Mitsubishi’s version of Sony’s Trinitron technology) delivers bright, vibrant color reproduction. These units appear regularly on eBay and Craigslist in the $80-$200 range, making them one of the most accessible high-quality PC gaming CRTs available.
Pros: Excellent aperture grille sharpness, affordable, supports high refresh at gaming resolutions Cons: Heavy at 55+ lbs, horizontal aperture grille wires visible in bright scenes
View Mitsubishi Diamond CRT on Amazon
4. ViewSonic P225f
The ViewSonic P225f was a mid-to-high-end consumer CRT from the early 2000s and represents excellent value in 2026’s used market. The 21-inch flat screen supports 2048x1536 maximum resolution and achieves 100Hz at 1024x768 - sufficient for smooth competitive gaming. ViewSonic built this monitor with professional-grade geometry controls, meaning you can correct any convergence or pincushion distortion that develops over time. A solid all-around CRT for PC gaming that is easier to find and more affordable than premium Trinitron units.
Pros: Good refresh rates, detailed geometry controls, widely available, affordable Cons: Shadow mask rather than aperture grille means slightly less sharp than Trinitron
View ViewSonic CRT Monitor on Amazon
5. NEC MultiSync FP2141SB
The NEC FP2141SB is a 21-inch flat-face CRT specifically marketed for high-performance use, featuring a high-contrast shadow mask tube and support for 2048x1536. At gaming resolutions like 800x600 and 1024x768, it achieves refresh rates of 120-160Hz respectively - genuine high-refresh performance that gives it a real competitive feel. NEC’s geometry and color management controls are excellent, and the flat screen face reduces glare compared to curved tube competitors. A strong value pick for competitive gamers on a budget.
Pros: High refresh rate support, flat screen, strong geometry controls, competitive price Cons: Shadow mask gives slightly warmer color tone than aperture grille tubes
View NEC MultiSync CRT on Amazon
What to Look For
When buying a used CRT gaming monitor, check convergence quality (are colors aligned across the screen), phosphor brightness (dim tubes indicate heavy use or age), geometry (is the image square and centered), and input connector compatibility (PC gaming needs VGA/HD-15; console gaming needs BNC or component inputs). Always test before buying if possible, and factor in the cost of a VGA-to-BNC adapter if needed.
Final Thoughts
CRTs offer something genuinely different from modern displays - not nostalgia, but physics. For retro console gaming and classic PC titles, a Sony Trinitron or PVM represents the gold standard. For budget-friendly competitive play with the zero-lag advantage, the ViewSonic P225f or NEC FP2141SB deliver the CRT experience at accessible prices. In 2026, these monitors are only getting rarer - if you want one, buy now before prices climb further.
Frequently asked questions
Why do competitive gamers prefer CRT monitors over modern LCDs?+
CRTs have essentially zero input lag because they draw the image directly with an electron beam - there is no frame buffer delay. They also support high refresh rates natively and display true motion blur-free images that modern LCD panels still struggle to fully replicate.
Are CRT monitors still being manufactured in 2026?+
No major manufacturer produces new CRT monitors. All CRT gaming setups use refurbished or used units sourced from the vintage market, thrift stores, or specialized resellers.
What resolution do CRT monitors support?+
CRTs are analog and support a wide range of resolutions natively. Most 19-21 inch gaming CRTs can run 1024x768 at 85Hz or 1280x1024 at 75Hz, and many support 640x480 at true 120Hz or higher for retro console gaming.