The Best 144Hz Monitors
With great graphics power come greater responsibility — from the monitor, that is. As graphic cards push out higher framerates, we want a monitor that can keep up with a high refresh rate. 144Hz monitors hit that perfect balance of high refresh rate without being obscenely expensive. Here, we've gathered the best 144Hz monitors on the market for top-tier gaming. Read on and we'll discuss why they're our picks.
What to Look For
We love comparing gaming monitors, so we know what to look for to find the best ones on the market. We considered the following key aspects: response time, resolution, color range, brightness, and size (both the screen and full physical space). For example, our largest screen goes to Viotek’s 32-inch curved monitor. With the 2K resolution, this large screen really shines, and it has a lightning-fast response time for peak gaming performance. It does require a large desk, however. For something a bit smaller and more affordable, we suggest BenQ and their excellent 24-inch monitor. It’s easier to fit onto smaller desks and looks gorgeous doing so. There’s a lot more to say about these top-of-the-line gaming monitors, so read on to find the right one for you.
Samsung 24-Inch CRG5 Curved Gaming Monitor
Seeing is believing
These days, 60Hz just doesn’t cut it. Modern gaming consoles can hit over 120fps, so we want a monitor that can match that with its refresh rate: enter the Samsung CRG5. Games look incredibly smooth on this 144Hz screen. You can notice the difference immediately just by moving the mouse and windows around. And in gameplay, it makes motion less blurry and easier to follow.
Pros:
- This monitor works well with modern Playstation and Xbox consoles since it’s able to match framerates of 120fps.
- The DyAc+ (Dynamic Accuracy) feature negates motion blur from eye movement and allows the brightness to go up to an impressive 400 nits.
- The price is super affordable.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, this monitor is “only” 1080p, so those who want a higher-res screen will likely have to find a pricier option.
BenQ Zowie XL2411K 24-Inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor
Size up the competition
Some say that 24-inch monitors are the best for fast-paced, competitive gaming. This one from BenQ definitely proves that with its incredibly sharp and fluid image. This screen is perfect for gaming because we can see everything in our field of vision without needing to glance all over the screen. Plus, its smaller stand and base take up less room on the desk.
Pros:
- The monitor stand is both height- and tilt-adjustable, which is usually a feature found in pricier products.
- This monitor can be mounted on a wall or monitor arm thanks to its standard VESA mounting holes.
Cons:
- This is a pretty bright monitor by default, so those with sensitive eyes may have to mess with the preset settings to find a brightness level they enjoy.
AOC CQ27G2 27-Inch Frameless Curved Gaming Monitor
The budgeter's dream-come-true
Gaming on a budget has become easier than ever. This monitor strikes the right balance between high-end specs and affordability. It has the specs we expect from a top-tier monitor: a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and FreeSync compatibility. Unlike fixed monitor stands, this one is height-adjustable. Otherwise, you’d have to spring for a monitor arm. As it is, this is a great addition to almost any gaming setup.
Pros:
- This monitor is highly customizable. We could tune the colors and advanced features to our exact liking.
- The whole unit isn’t too thick, so it doesn’t take up too much desk space.
Cons:
- Some PCs may have trouble with FreeSync and flickering. However, this isn’t very common.
Viotek GNV27DB2 Curved 144Hz 2K Gaming Monitor
Incredible immersion
Once we used this monitor, there was no turning back: we’re hooked on curved monitors. The huge 32-inch screen with 4K resolution is the perfect size for impressive gaming and videos without taking up our whole desk space. The curve is gentle enough that we don’t notice it; everything just appears more even. It has QHD, FreeSync, and G-sync, so the colors look smooth, and there’s no screen tearing in games.
Pros:
- The durability and quality of the hardware are top-notch. Dead or stuck pixels are rare, and this screen holds up well for many years.
- The colors are rich and vibrant. Even in dimly lit scenes, we can make everything out quickly.
Cons:
- This monitor requires more graphics processing power than a 1080p monitor, which is true of most 2K gaming monitors.
Samsung Odyssey G70A 4K Gaming Monitor
Pixel perfect
This is the ultimate monitor for high-end gaming rigs. With 4K UHD resolution and a wide color gamut, the image pops off the screen. And with the 1ms response time, we can game without worry of screen lag. This may be a bit pricier of a screen, but you get what you pay for: the best-quality image with a mind-blowing refresh rate and response time.
Pros:
- The screen can be turned vertically, with software that automatically rotates the PC video output to match.
- The colors are super bright, while the blacks are nice and dark.
- There are plenty of calibration settings for fine-tuning the picture.
Cons:
- This monitor and its stand are just a bit on the thicker side, so you’ll need a desk with enough room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are FreeSync and G-sync?
These are the propriety names for variable refresh rate monitors. This is when the monitor can change its refresh rate to match the frames-per-second of the game. This ensures the smoothest possible video since the screen changes at the same rate as the game frames. AMD uses FreeSync, while GeForce uses G-sync.
Why is a higher refresh rate better?
The more the screen refreshes, the more images can be displayed in the span of a second. This means that we get smoother video image quality, and it appears more lifelike, less choppy, and less blurry than 60Hz monitors and TVs.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.