The best gaming monitors are a must-have for any gamer, and the market is saturated with options. This article will help you find the best monitor for your needs.
The 144hz monitor is a type of monitor that has a refresh rate of 144 Hertz. This means the screen refreshes 144 times per second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother gameplay will be.
Obviously, you construct a powerful gaming PC for two reasons: to increase the number of frames per second and to make your game appear better. The second, of course, is only possible if you have a monitor that can show accurate colors and support the required resolution while playing your game.
Until I purchased my first gaming monitor with a 1080p resolution and a 1ms reaction time, I used to believe that it didn’t matter which display you had. Then I began to purchase more and more monitors, eventually putting twin and triple monitors to the test.
I experimented with IPS and TN panels ranging in size from 22 to 34 inches, each with its own set of features and technologies. I quickly gained a lot of knowledge in this field, and there’s always more to learn since technology is constantly changing, but I’d want to share what I’ve learned so that you may avoid making the same errors I made.
I have a brief article on How to Buy a Gaming Monitor that will give you a basic understanding of how to select a good monitor depending on your needs, and you should read it together with this guide to gain the information you need to get the most bang for your buck. Without further ado, I’ll begin listing the top gaming displays in various categories and price ranges.
The best gaming displays with a refresh rate of 144Hz
(Editor’s pick) Predator XB241H by Acer bmipr(Best High-End 144Hz monitor)
Price on Amazon.com
When it comes to gaming with a quick reaction time, only a high refresh rate monitor would suffice. And there are a plethora of choices to select from in this regard. The Acer Predator XB241H is the finest 24-inch 144Hz monitor available, with a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, 1080p resolution, and Nvidia G-SYNC.
This is not a cheap monitor that you can buy for about $200 since it has certain high-end features, and because this category is dedicated to the best 144hz displays, I’ll include the best budget 144hz monitor later in this article.
This Acer monitor has a stunning design on both the panel and the stand. As you can see, it comes with a black and red themed stand that is also adjustable, allowing you to change the height to your preference.
The panel is, of course, a TN panel, which means you’ll receive a 1ms response time, which is the quickest currently available. Furthermore, the G-SYNC technology is required to prevent tearing in gameplay while the animation is in progress.
However, there is one more aspect to it: overclocking. Because this monitor costs more than $300, you’ll be able to overclock it from 144Hz to 180Hz. Do you, however, have the horsepower to push gaming frames per second up to 180? Some games, such as CSGO and Overwatch, can provide that many frames per second, but you’ll need a decent mid-high-end setup to do it. So, go ahead and have a look at the $1000 Gaming PC setup that you may take advantage of.
If you need a bigger display, such as a 27-inch monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution, I suggest the ViewSonic XG2701, which is a great monitor for $300 and comes with AMD Free-SYNC. You’ll need an AMD graphics card to use this technology. This monitor’s sole drawback is that it cannot be overclocked to 180Hz.
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Abmiprz Acer Predator XB271HU
Price on Amazon.com
Another excellent Acer monitor with a 1440p resolution on a 27-inch panel. Because of several specifications, this is quite comparable to the XB241H. However, the specifications of this one are very different. It has a better resolution, which means you’ll see more pixels in your game, and it has a 27-inch display, which means your games will seem larger on the screen, making them more immersive.
As a user of a 27-inch monitor, I prefer not to go lower that unless someone likes a 24-inch display. 1440p is the optimum resolution for a 27-inch monitor, particularly if the display quality is excellent. Because this monitor has a TN panel, the image quality will not be as good as an IPS panel, but it does offer a 1ms reaction time, which is ideal for fast-paced gaming.
As for its refresh rate, the default is 144Hz but you may overclock it up to 165Hz. As a result, it’s yet another pro feature that will assist you in making gaming even smoother. However, you must have a powerful setup capable of pushing the frame rate over 150. A rig with a GTX 1080 should be able to do the task.
The monitor features a Red/Black stand that is adjustable and extremely sturdy, but it, like the XB241H, takes up a lot of room. If you have a large desk, this is preferable, or you may just place it on the wall. Like the XB241H, you can tilt and swivel it. If you like large screens and excellent quality, this is the one to choose.
Another version of this monitor is available with an IPS screen and the same refresh rate. However, the reaction time is 4 milliseconds. This version is a fantastic option for higher image quality, but it will cost you considerably more. If you don’t have a financial constraint and want to make a one-time investment, don’t hesitate to go with it. bmiprz Acer Predator XB271HU
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Asus MG248Q Asus MG248Q Asus MG248Q Asus MG248Q Asus MG248Q (Best budget 144Hz monitor)
Price on Amazon.com
The Asus MG248Q is an excellent 144Hz monitor for people on a limited budget. This monitor has several nice features such as a 1ms response time, a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1080p resolution, AMD FreeSync, and built-in speakers.
Because it’s a TN panel, the color reproduction won’t be spectacular, but it won’t be terrible either. Because of certain restrictions, this monitor costs about $250, which is around $100 less than the XB241H. First and foremost, it lacks G-SYNC, which means you will not benefit from an Nvidia graphics card. Rather, it includes FreeSync, which was designed specifically for AMD graphics cards, and you can use it to eliminate tear in games.
Second, it can’t be overclocked like the XB241H, but if all you need is a 144Hz display monitor, I don’t see why you shouldn’t go with this one if you’re on a budget. The body of this monitor is attractive, particularly from the rear, and the stand base takes up little room on the desk.
The monitor may also be wall mounted and adjusted in height. You’ll also get features like tilt and swivel, which are standard on most of the finest gaming monitors.
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Ultra-wide gaming displays that are the best
PG348Q ASUS ROG SWIFT (Top high-end)
Price on Amazon.com
This is the most advanced display available right now. It is very costly, costing more than $1100, but it is the ultimate gaming experience. Playing games like PUBG, Witcher 3, GTA V, and other open world games on a 16:9 ratio display does not appeal to me as an ultra-wide monitor user. Particularly when the game plays flawlessly with no fps dips.
This monitor features a 3440×1440 pixel resolution and a refresh rate of 100Hz. The image quality of this monitor is much superior than any TN panel since it features an IPS screen with 100 percent sRGB. Second, since it supports a 100Hz refresh rate, if you have a powerful computer, you can simply push these pixels beyond 100 frames per second. Graphics cards such as the GTX 1080 or 1080 Ti will suffice.
This monitor’s rival is the Acer predator X34, which is $200 less expensive, but I don’t suggest it since many people have complained about the display not functioning, and I had the same problem when I purchased one. As a result, it is preferable to avoid any headache.
This display also features Nvidia G-SYNC technology, which eliminates any tearing in games. Because Nvidia makes the majority of high-end graphics cards, it’s highly likely that you’ll profit from this technology. Anyone who likes stunning visuals and intense gameplay should get this monitor. It is not, however, a good display for fast-paced games like CSGO. Because the Response Time of this monitor is 1ms, you won’t be able to play them correctly and will have some delay.
It will also take up a lot of room on your desk, so make sure your workstation is large enough, or wall hang it to save even more space. The monitor also features a futuristic style with an Asus logo projected at the bottom. From the main menu, you can access a variety of options, including Gamer Visual and Crosshair.
It includes 4x USB 3.0, HDMI, DP, and even an audio connection so you can plug your headphones into it without having to go to your primary system. These capabilities are currently only found in high-end displays and are very useful for connecting extra devices such as a keyboard and mouse.
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bmiphz Acer Predator Z35P
Price on Amazon.com
Well, having the ideal 144hz ultra-wide display isn’t difficult. In its Predator line, Acer offers one fantastic display that comes with a slew of capabilities. This Z35P is the epitome of high-resolution gaming with a fast refresh rate. The refresh rate may be increased from 100Hz to 144Hz, although doing so would require a powerful graphics card.
It’s not for everyone, but it’s ideal for gamers that have a powerful high-end gaming PC with at least a GTX 1080 Ti. G-SYNC technology on the Z35P eliminates tearing. When paired with a GTX 1080 Ti, the game will run considerably better if the frame rate exceeds 100, which is achievable at a resolution of 34401440 pixels, which I utilize since I have a GTX 1080 Ti.
It supports titles like as CSGO, Battlefield, and Overwatch without issue. The only thing missing is a quick reaction time. It has a reaction time of 4 milliseconds, which is slower than typical TN panels. However, since it is a VA panel, the color reproduction and image quality are superior than TN panels but inferior to IPS panels. As a result, this monitor comes close to being the finest ideal display.
I suggest this monitor solely if you want to play at 144Hz; otherwise, the Asus PG348Q is a great gaming display. Tastes, though, are important. We’ve seen a number of ultra wide monitors with a 144Hz refresh rate but a lesser resolution of 2560x1080p, resulting in poor image quality due to the TN panel and lower resolution.
Acer has done an excellent job by delivering a great display with the most advanced features for around $1000.
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34UC79G-B 34UC79G-B LG 34UC79G-B LG 34UC79G-B LG LG 34UC79G-B LG (The best ultra-wide display for the money)
Price on Amazon.com
So, here is the perfect budget ultra-wide gaming monitor, which is much less expensive than the ultra-wides listed before. Its price is under $600, yet it has premium gaming monitor characteristics. With an IPS screen, it offers one of the finest image quality available, and with a flawless 144Hz refresh rate, the game will run smoothly.
The display is curved as well, providing a more immersive experience. You can get the most out of your AMD graphics card by combining it with AMD FreeSync technology for tear-free gaming. You may be thinking that it would also require a really high-end gaming PC, right? However, since the resolution of this monitor is 2560x1080p, which is smaller than the 3440x1440p displays listed above, it does not need a high-end graphics card like the GTX 1080 Ti. Although a graphics card such as the GTX 1070 is still required, you can at least enjoy an ultra-wide display without spending a thousand dollars on it.
This monitor’s design is also very good. It does not seem to be too futuristic, but rather simple and beautiful. The base will not take up as much room as the ultra-wide monitors described above, and it may also be wall mounted.
It’s completely adjustable in height, tiltable, and swivelable. It also includes a variety of I/O connections, including two USB 3.0 ports, two HDMI connectors, two DP ports, and one 3.5mm headphone jack.
This monitor is ideal for immersive gaming, fast-paced gaming, and productivity, all of which are difficult to find on a single screen.
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4K gaming monitors that are the best
AGON AG271UG AGON AG271UG AOC AGON AG271UG (The best 4K display is)
Price on Amazon.com
Because 38402160 is a large number of pixels and requires a very high-end graphics card to play games at that resolution, 4K gaming is still uncommon and may take some time. Although, on extreme settings, 60fps is preferable than 144fps, and 60fps on 4K ultra or at least high settings is not difficult to achieve.
This is the finest display for 4K gaming since it is much less expensive than similar monitors from other suppliers. The image quality will be perfect with an IPS panel. You will have no trouble seeing the display from all angles and perspectives. You’ll be able to clearly appreciate the detailed gaming thanks to the 27-inch monitor. Going less than 27 inches for a 4K display, in my opinion, is pointless since the actual advantage is in a medium or large-sized panel.
Many monitors, such as the Acer Predator XB271HK, are equipped with Nvidia G-SYNC, which makes them more expensive than Free-Sync versions. However, when compared to the Acer Predator XB271HK, which costs about $800, this monitor costs less than $600. This monitor offers a standard refresh rate of 60Hz, which is sufficient since even a GTX 1080 Ti won’t be able to provide 100 frames per second in most graphical-intensive games.
It’s also great for gaming, with a 4ms reaction time, but not so much for esports. Only use this if you want a comprehensive graphical depiction of open world games, and make sure you have enough of RAM (At least 16GB). This monitor has all of the usual features, such as wall mounting, an adjustable stand, and numerous I/O ports.
Now, if you don’t need a monitor with a 4ms reaction time, there is a fantastic monitor that costs about the same as this one but has a one-inch larger panel. This is the Acer Predators XB281HK, which features a TN panel and a reaction time of 1 millisecond. It won’t be able to compete with high-refresh-rate displays, but it will be smoother in gaming than the AGON.
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XG2700 by ViewSonic
Price on Amazon.com
The ViewSonic XG2700 monitor has a 27-inch display with a 3840×2160 pixel resolution and AMD graphics card-specific FreeSync technology. G-SYNC monitors are often more costly than FreeSync equivalents, and this one is also a little less pricey, but the difference isn’t significant when compared to the AGON AG271UG.
Because AMD does not offer a high-end graphics card like the GTX 1080 Ti, this display is helpful to people who have AMD graphics cards and have likely installed at least two graphics cards in CrossfireX. Although an RX Vega 64 8GB should be capable of providing a good gaming experience, not every game can be played at maximum settings. As a result, if you buy this monitor, it’s best to utilize CrossfireX.
It features a flat, sturdy base, and the monitor can be adjusted in height. Unlike the Acer monitors I mentioned before, the stand doesn’t take up a lot of desk space. The monitor includes a number of extra features, such as a Headphone Hook at the top of the stand, where you may hook your headphones. Most high-end ultra-wide displays offer this function, which is extremely helpful if you have a tiny desk.
The display has too many USB 3.0 connections, and there is a cable management loop at the rear of the stand to route all your wires from the monitor to your CPU. There are four USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, three HDMI connectors, and additional ports. With this monitor, you won’t have to worry about connection. It’s an all-arounder when it comes to these things.
However, you cannot overclock this monitor, and it has a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is standard, but it would have been superfluous to make it a 100Hz display since AMD graphics cards are currently not strong enough to deliver that many frames per second at 4K with FreeSync. This $550 4K gaming monitor is well-balanced and highly recommended.
There is an option to this one if you want a TN panel with a 1ms reaction time with Free-SYNC. It’s the MG28UQ by ASUS, a 28-inch monitor with all of these characteristics except a quick reaction time and a TN screen of lesser quality. This display is also much less expensive than the ViewSonic XG2700, making it the finest 4K gaming monitor on a budget.
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Best gaming monitors on a budget
HP Pavilion 22cwa (HP Pavilion 22cwa) (HP Pavilion 22c
Price on Amazon.com
If you have a restricted budget for a monitor, I don’t believe it’s smart to spend more than $200 on one; instead, spend more on a gaming RIG so that you may push the fps. On the other hand, you won’t be able to enjoy a high-refresh rate panel if your rig can’t handle it. When it comes to cheap gaming monitors, there are a lot of choices to pick from. Among these, I think the HP Pavilion 22cwa is the finest and most affordable choice.
Of course, it’s not perfect since it’s inexpensive, and there are some faults, but for a budget gaming PC, the bezel-less display with an IPS panel should be ideal for playing games. The colors are vibrant, and unlike a TN panel, you can see the screen from any angle without the colors shifting. All of this for less than $100. There are presently many IPS monitors with a 21.5-inch display that are more expensive than this one, but if you’re on a limited budget, you should save as much as possible since the gaming experience will be almost same when compared to other 21.5-inch IPS displays.
The monitor has a typical 60Hz display with a reaction time of 7ms, which is slower than any of the other monitors I listed above, but the image quality compensates for any flaws. This display isn’t designed for fast-paced gameplay, but rather for open-world games like GTA V and PUBG. As a result, you may enjoy the visuals in 1080p quality with vivid colors.
This monitor’s material quality is also excellent, and it utilizes a unique, sturdy stand to adequately support the display. However, there are just a few choices for input/output ports. Only HDMI and VGA connections are available for viewing. As this is an entry-level monitor, there are no DVI or DP connections. It’s OK, however, since you won’t be using a 144hz monitor, so you won’t need a DVI or DP connection.
This monitor is one of the most popular and continues to be Amazon’s top pick for best budget monitors.
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KG251Q bmiix Acer (The most cost-effective monitor)
Price on Amazon.com
Acer monitors have been mentioned many times in this article because they make excellent displays. My laptop is an Acer XR341CK. This monitor has a 24.5-inch panel with a 1080p resolution. I believe it to be the finest budget monitor among all for under $150, and I suggest it if you have a flexible budget since this is the monitor you should buy for a PC that costs between $500 and $800.
It includes all of the functionality that a gaming monitor should have. The screen is large enough, and the panel is a TN panel, which has much higher image quality than other TN panels. The color changes are hardly discernible, and you won’t even realize that it’s a TN panel. The second excellent thing Acer accomplished with this monitor was to use extremely narrow bezels, giving it the appearance of an IPS panel.
It has a response time of 1ms, which is sufficient for any game and may be utilized for both open world and fast-paced games. Another fantastic feature of this monitor is AMD FreeSync, which ensures that you enjoy a tear-free gaming experience provided you have an AMD graphics card. Its refresh rate may be be adjusted from 60 to 75 cycles per second. At this price, finding a monitor with all of these features is almost difficult.
It features two HDMI ports and one VGA port for I/O. You may also utilize the two 2W speakers if you don’t have any dedicated speakers. The monitor may also be wall mounted, however it has one flaw: the fixed stand. The display cannot be tilted or adjusted in height. But, with all of the excellent qualities it offers at a price around $150, I don’t see why I shouldn’t purchase it.
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The best gaming monitors with a high refresh rate
PG258Q ASUS ROG SWIFT (The most effective 240Hz display)
Price on Amazon.com
240Hz is currently one of the highest refresh rate displays available. There are just a few firms that make such high refresh displays, and although they aren’t cheap, they aren’t as costly as ultra wide monitors. When a 144Hz display is compared to a 24Hz monitor, games like CSGO will notice a significant difference. Though a 144Hz monitor may suffice, if you want to get serious about competitive gaming, a 240Hz display will make your experience smoother and help you perform better.
Between a 144Hz and a 240Hz screen, there is a distinct 100Hz difference that can be seen. So, the Asus ROG Swift PG248Q, which is also a PG series monitor, is the first and greatest 240Hz display I suggest. This is the highest-end series for gaming monitors, and the design of this monitor is comparable to the Asus high-end displays you’ve seen thus far.
You’ll also receive a 1ms reaction time and G-SYNC for tear-free gaming with a 240Hz display. In fast-paced games, you don’t want tearing or latency, and this will perform the greatest job ever. So, if you don’t want to risk your expertise and want to get an advantage over your opponent, think about it. This display will undoubtedly need a very high-end gaming PC, since getting over 200Hz requires a graphics card with enough specifications. With a GTX 1060 6GB, CSGO will still perform at 200+ frames per second, however other games may need a GTX 1080 or above.
However, I exclusively suggest 240Hz displays for CSGO since it is the quickest shooter game in which the difference between a 144Hz and a 240Hz screen can be seen.
The back of this monitor is well designed, and the bottom has an Asus logo. It also has a blue light filter and Asus Eye Care technology, which reduces eye strain and allows you to practice for longer periods of time. It will set you back about $550, which is half the price of the Asus PG348Q and yet within reach for competitive gamers.
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AGON AG251FZ AOC AGON AGON AGON AGON AGON AGON AGON AGON (The best 240Hz monitor on a budget)
Price on Amazon.com
This is the best budget 240Hz monitor for gaming, with a price that is $150 less than the Asus PG258Q. There are some differences, but because this panel is 90% similar in specs to the PG258Q, I consider it to be the best budget 240Hz monitor for money. If you don’t want to spend more than $500, this can be yours for only $300, which is $150 less than the Asus.
AOC displays are strong rivals to ASUS and Acer in the monitor industry, and it hasn’t been left behind in fast-paced gaming, delivering this monster monitor at the best price in the market. There will be no latency or ghosting with the 240Hz TN screen and 1ms reaction time. It has the same 24.5-inch screen size as the Asus and the same 1080p resolution. The SYNC technology makes the difference.
It has AMD FreeSync and is compatible with any AMD graphics card. It can work with any Nvidia card, but you’ll need an AMD graphics card to take advantage of FreeSync and enjoy tear-free gameplay.
There will be no darkness in the game thanks to the 400CD/m2 brightness. Because there will be times when you must go about in the dark, this will allow you to view the surroundings more clearly while maintaining the same sensation. You can play fast-paced games like CSGO, Overwatch, Battlefield, and AAA titles with this panel. However, it’s ideal for competitive games that don’t need a high-end graphics card like the 1080 Ti. As I already said, CSGO can run at 200+ frames per second on a GTX 1060, and I wouldn’t suggest a 240Hz panel for a AAA game.
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List of Monitors
Category | Name of the monitor | Looks | Specs | Links |
---|---|---|---|---|
The most effective 144Hz display | Acer Predator XB241H | 1080p, 1ms, 144hz-180hz, G-Sync, inbuilt speakers, 24inch TN display | ||
The best 144hz monitor on a budget | Asus MG248Q | 1080p, 1ms, 144hz, FreeSync, integrated speakers, 24inch TN display | ||
Ultra-wide monitors at their best | PG348Q ASUS ROG SWIFT | 34-inch curved IPS display with 3440p resolution, 4ms response time, 100hz refresh rate, G-Sync, and built-in speakers | ||
Best budget Ultra-wide monitor | LG 34UC79G-B | 34-inch curved IPS display with 1080p resolution, 4ms response time, 144Hz refresh rate, and built-in speakers | ||
Best 4K monitor | AOC AGON AG271UG | 27-inch IPS display with 4K resolution, 4ms response time, 60Hz refresh rate, G-Sync, and built-in speakers | ||
The best 4K display for the money | ASUS MG28UQ | 28-inch TN display with 4K resolution, 1ms response time, 60Hz refresh rate, FreeSync, and built-in speakers | ||
Best budget monitor | KG251Q bmiix Acer | 24.5-inch TN display with 1080p resolution, 1ms response time, 60Hz refresh rate, FreeSync, and built-in speakers | ||
Best 240Hz monitor | PG258Q ASUS ROG SWIFT | 24.5-inch TN display with 1080p resolution, 1ms response time, 240Hz refresh rate, G-Sync, and built-in speakers | ||
Best budget 240Hz monitor | AGON AG251FZ AOC AGON AGON AGON AGON AGON AGON AGON AGON | 24.5-inch TN display with 1080p resolution, 1ms response time, 240Hz refresh rate, FreeSync, and built-in speakers |
Frequently Asked Questions
What monitor do Top gamers use?
The most common monitors used by top gamers are the Acer Predator X34 and Asus ROG PG35VQ.
Is 165Hz better than 144Hz?
It is not better or worse, but it is a different frequency. If you are looking for an improvement in the clarity of your screen, then yes, 165Hz would be better than 144Hz.
What monitors do pro gamers use?
Pro gamers use 144Hz monitors.
Tech expert fresh from the Australian Coast. Been in the tech industry more than 9 years, as part of a Business Growth Group. His out of office days are 100% for freestyle surfing and waves chasing.