Best 144Hz and 240Hz Gaming Monitors in 2026, Ranked

The best gaming monitor 144Hz or higher isn’t one-size-fits-all. If you can sustain very high frame rates in competitive shooters, 240Hz delivers the snappiest response. For everyone else, a 144–165Hz panel—often at higher resolution—usually feels like the bigger upgrade in clarity, HDR, and overall immersion. At Gaming Device Advisor, our ranked picks balance speed, image quality, ports (HDMI 2.1/DisplayPort 2.1), and warranty terms, with practical advice for PC and console setup, bright rooms, and total cost after purchase. We reference lab-tested roundups and expert reviews from outlets like Tom’s Hardware, PCMag, IGN, TFTCentral, and CNET to ground every recommendation in real performance and ownership considerations.

How to choose between 144Hz and 240Hz

240Hz shines if your GPU and games can push very high frame rates; otherwise 144–165Hz at higher resolution often feels like the better upgrade for visual fidelity and HDR impact. That’s the core trade-off reviewers consistently highlight across expert roundups and lab tests from Tom’s Hardware and others. Gaming Device Advisor recommends starting with your target games and realistic FPS, then matching resolution and panel tech to those priorities.

Refresh rate definition (40–50 words): Refresh rate is how many times per second a monitor updates an image, measured in hertz. Higher rates like 144Hz or 240Hz reduce motion blur and input latency, making fast‑moving scenes clearer. The benefit is most noticeable when your game’s frame rate consistently matches or exceeds the refresh rate.

Decision flow:

• Check GPU capability: Can you hold >200 FPS in esports titles at your target resolution?
• Prioritize games: Esports shooters favor 240Hz; single‑player AAA favors higher resolution and HDR at 144–165Hz.
• Assess room brightness: Bright rooms benefit from Mini‑LED; controlled lighting makes OLED pop.
• Confirm platform: PCs targeting 4K 240Hz should prioritize DisplayPort 2.1; consoles need HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz and VRR.

Key buying criteria

Use this quick checklist to filter any monitor:

• Resolution and refresh: 1080p/1440p/4K paired to realistic FPS targets.
• Panel type: OLED/QD‑OLED, Mini‑LED VA, or IPS—each with strengths.
• HDR type and peak brightness: Local dimming zones and HDR standards matter.
• Ports and VRR: DisplayPort 2.1/HDMI 2.1, FreeSync/G‑Sync Compatible, console VRR.
• Size and ergonomics: 27–32 inches, stand adjustability, VESA mount.
• Warranty and burn‑in: Pay attention to OLED care features and terms.

Gaming Device Advisor uses this same checklist to score monitors consistently across budgets.

Suggested comparison snapshot (examples):

• Model: ASUS ROG Swift PG27UCDM; Panel: OLED; Resolution: 4K; Refresh: 240Hz; Ports: DP 2.1 + HDMI 2.1; HDR: Dolby Vision features and strong per‑pixel contrast; Price: premium; Best for: elite visuals + esports response.
• Model: AOC Q27G40XMN; Panel: IPS; Resolution: 1440p; Refresh: 180Hz; Ports: mainstream; HDR: entry; Price: value; Best for: budget 1440p builds.

Resolution and GPU pairing

If you rarely hit triple‑digit FPS at 4K, you’ll feel more benefit from 1440p at higher refresh than trying to stretch to 4K 240Hz. Conversely, competitive players with strong GPUs will notice smoother tracking and aim consistency at 240Hz.

• 1080p 240Hz for esports or budget rigs: Asus TUF VG279QM is a 27‑inch 1080p IPS with 240Hz native (280Hz OC) and 1ms GtG—exactly what value‑minded competitors need, with 2× HDMI 2.0 and 1× DP 1.2 onboard, as highlighted by IGN.
• 1440p 144–240Hz for balanced builds: AOC’s Q27G40XMN at 180Hz is a standout value pick for smooth motion without 4K GPU demands, per PCMag’s budget‑friendly recommendations.
• 4K 144–240Hz for high‑end GPUs: ASUS’s PG27UCDM earns Editors’ Choice‑level praise as a top‑tier 4K 240Hz OLED, noted across expert lists including PCMag.

VRR definition (40–50 words): Variable Refresh Rate synchronizes the monitor’s refresh with the GPU’s frame output to reduce tearing and stutter. It smooths motion when performance fluctuates. Standards include AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G‑Sync Compatible, and most HDMI 2.1 displays also support console VRR.

Panel type and HDR

• OLED/QD‑OLED deliver best‑in‑class motion clarity, per‑pixel contrast, and HDR tone mapping, with premium pricing and some reflectivity. TFTCentral notes the PG27UCDM as a high‑end 4K OLED with DisplayPort 2.1 and Dolby Vision‑class features.
• Mini‑LED VA excels in bright rooms, with high peak brightness and deep contrast from thousands of local dimming mini‑LEDs. Samsung’s Odyssey Neo G8 (32", 4K, 240Hz) uses a 1,196‑zone backlight and reaches up to 2,000 nits HDR peaks—ideal for daylight gaming, per TFTCentral and Tom’s Hardware.
• IPS balances color accuracy and viewing angles with good value at 144–180Hz, exemplified by the AOC Q27G40XMN in PCMag’s value picks.

HDR peak brightness definition (40–50 words): HDR peak brightness indicates how bright small highlight areas can get in HDR mode, measured in nits. Higher peaks improve specular highlights, perceived contrast, and realism. Mini‑LED displays reach high peaks; OLEDs rely on perfect blacks and fast response for impactful HDR without blooming.

Connectivity and VRR

Ports cap achievable refresh/resolution and determine console support. For 4K 240Hz and dual‑system flexibility, prioritize DisplayPort 2.1 or dual HDMI 2.1. TFTCentral notes PG27UCDM‑class monitors include DP 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 for future‑proof PCs and consoles. Gaming Device Advisor prioritizes DP 2.1 for bleeding‑edge 4K 240Hz PCs and ample HDMI 2.1 for console flexibility.

Concrete port notes:

• Asus TUF VG279QM: 2× HDMI 2.0 and 1× DP 1.2—fine at 1080p 240Hz, but limited for next‑gen consoles, per IGN.
• HP Omen 27k: strong brightness and a built‑in KVM, but only one HDMI 2.1 port—plan inputs for console + media box, as PCMag advises.

Suggested ports table (high‑level examples):

• VG279QM: DP 1.2; HDMI 2.0 (2); USB‑C: no; KVM: no; VRR: FreeSync/G‑Sync Compatible.
• PG27UCDM: DP 2.1; HDMI 2.1 (2); USB‑C: varies; KVM: model‑dependent; VRR: PC + console VRR.
• HP Omen 27k: DP 1.4; HDMI 2.1 (1); USB‑C + KVM: yes; VRR: PC + console VRR.

Size, ergonomics, and desk fit

• 27–32 inches is the sweet spot for most desks: 27" for razor‑sharp 1440p; 32" for immersive 4K.
• Curved and ultrawide benefit from closer viewing distances; a 32–34" gentle curve enhances wraparound feel.
• Ensure height/tilt/swivel and VESA support for posture and arm‑mounts.
• For curved 4K 240Hz immersion, Alienware’s AW3225QF is a compelling 32‑inch QD‑OLED choice, noted by TFTCentral.

Price, warranty, and burn-in coverage

• Factor burn‑in warranties, pixel refresh, and screen‑shift tools into total cost. PG27UCDM includes OLED Care Pro and a Neo Proximity Sensor to mitigate retention risk, per TFTCentral’s OLED guide.
• Watch for bundles that add cables, extended coverage, or software subscriptions. These can offset premium pricing on OLED or Mini‑LED. Gaming Device Advisor weighs warranty terms and care tools alongside performance to reflect real ownership costs.

144Hz vs 240Hz which is better for you

If you play competitive shooters and consistently sustain above 200 FPS, prioritize 240Hz for the most responsive feel. Otherwise, a 144–165Hz monitor at higher resolution typically delivers more visible improvement in sharpness, HDR, and overall image quality for the money, as echoed in Tom’s Hardware’s buying guidance.

Quick selector:

• Esports FPS: 1080p/1440p 240Hz with low input lag—Asus TUF VG279QM nails the essentials, per IGN.
• Mixed AAA/creation: 4K 144–240Hz OLED or Mini‑LED depending on room brightness; CNET and TFTCentral highlight class leaders like LG 32GS95UE and Samsung Neo G8 for HDR and versatility.

Ranked picks overall

• ASUS ROG Swift PG27UCDM — 27" 4K OLED, 240Hz, DP 2.1 + HDMI 2.1, Dolby Vision‑class features; Editors’ Choice‑caliber across major outlets with OLED Care Pro for longevity; best for elite visuals and esports‑grade response (PCMag, TFTCentral).
• MSI MPG 321URX — 32" 4K 240Hz QD‑OLED with standout North America pricing noted by TFTCentral; similar motion clarity and HDR tone to pricier OLEDs; best for large‑screen immersion at a lower premium.
• Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 — 32" 4K 240Hz Mini‑LED VA, 1,196 zones, up to 2,000 nits HDR peaks; best for bright rooms and HDR‑heavy titles where glare and highlight punch matter (TFTCentral, Tom’s Hardware).
• Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM — 27" 1080p IPS, 240Hz native/280Hz OC, 1ms GtG; 2× HDMI 2.0 + DP 1.2; best budget 240Hz esports pick with proven low lag and value (IGN).

Input lag definition (40–50 words): Input lag is the time between a user action and the image update on screen. Lower lag makes controls feel immediate, which is critical in competitive games. High refresh rates and fast pixel response reduce perceived lag for snappier aim and movement.

• Dell Alienware AW3225QF — 32" curved 4K 240Hz QD‑OLED; immersive curve with OLED motion and HDR; best for cinematic single‑player plus responsive competitive play in controlled lighting (TFTCentral).
• Gigabyte FO32U2 Pro — 32" 4K high‑refresh IPS; a balanced all‑rounder with strong features and speed recommended by IGN; best for users who want 4K performance without OLED trade‑offs.
• LG UltraGear 32GS95UE — 32" 4K OLED with dual‑mode 4K240 or 1080p480; praised by CNET as a top overall pick; best for creator‑gamers who want color coverage and esports‑capable versatility.
• AOC Q27G40XMN — 27" 1440p IPS at 180Hz; standout budget value with vibrant color and smooth motion per PCMag and independent testing; best for mid‑range GPU builds. Similar AOC 1440p 180Hz models often dip under $300 in deals, as covered in detailed reviews on YouTube.

Summary comparison table (at‑a‑glance):

Best overall 4K 240Hz

ASUS ROG Swift PG27UCDM. A 27‑inch 4K 240Hz OLED with DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, and Dolby Vision‑class features, lauded as an Editors’ Choice‑caliber high‑end 4K gaming monitor by PCMag and celebrated by TFTCentral. OLED Care Pro and a Neo Proximity Sensor add practical longevity for daily gaming.

Best value 4K 240Hz

MSI MPG 321URX. This 32‑inch 4K 240Hz QD‑OLED offers similar motion clarity and HDR tone to pricier OLEDs, with particularly aggressive North America pricing noted by TFTCentral. It’s the large‑screen sweet spot for immersion without top‑tier pricing.

Best bright-room 4K 240Hz

Samsung Odyssey Neo G8. A 32‑inch 4K 240Hz Mini‑LED VA with 1,196 dimming zones and up to 2,000 nits HDR peaks, per TFTCentral and Tom’s Hardware. It maintains contrast and highlight punch in daylight, making it ideal for HDR‑heavy titles.

Best budget 240Hz esports

Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM. A 27‑inch 1080p IPS at 240Hz native (280Hz OC) with 1ms GtG and solid SDR brightness, plus 2× HDMI 2.0 and 1× DP 1.2. IGN flags it as a value esports staple with low latency and reliable tuning.

Best curved QD-OLED 240Hz

Dell Alienware AW3225QF. A 32‑inch curved 4K 240Hz QD‑OLED that blends OLED speed and HDR with an immersive curve. It’s a balanced choice for living‑room‑bright spaces with thoughtful lighting control, per TFTCentral’s curated picks.

Best balanced 4K option

Gigabyte FO32U2 Pro. Highlighted by IGN as a top all‑rounder, it blends fast 4K gaming with strong feature coverage and without OLED trade‑offs. Ideal if you want speed, ports, and usability at a saner price.

Best 27–32 inch creator gamer pick

LG UltraGear 32GS95UE. A 32‑inch 4K OLED with dual‑mode refresh—4K at 240Hz or 1080p at 480Hz—praised by CNET as one of the best overall monitors. Near‑full DCI‑P3 and updatable color profiles make it a rare edit‑and‑esports hybrid.

Best budget 144–165Hz 1440p

AOC Q27G40XMN. Vibrant colors and a fast 180Hz refresh deliver excellent 1440p value, recommended in PCMag’s budget‑forward lists. Similar AOC 1440p 180Hz models routinely drop under $300 during sales, as detailed in in‑depth YouTube testing.

Side-by-side comparison by use case

Competitive shooters above 200 FPS

Go 240Hz. Asus TUF VG279QM is the budget pick with 1080p clarity, 240Hz native/280Hz OC, and 1ms GtG. For premium clarity and response, a 4K 240Hz OLED like PG27UCDM delivers ultra‑fast pixel transitions and crisp motion.

Single-screen AAA plus creative work

LG 32GS95UE’s dual‑mode and wide color make it a rare do‑it‑all panel. As an alternative, Gigabyte FO32U2 Pro balances performance and features without OLED trade‑offs.

Bright-room and daytime gaming

Samsung Odyssey Neo G8’s high‑zone Mini‑LED and up to 2,000‑nit HDR peaks fight glare and sustain highlight detail in daylight. VA contrast and local dimming reduce haloing versus edge‑lit panels.

Console-ready with HDMI 2.1

Look for HDMI 2.1 with VRR and ALLM. PG27UCDM‑class displays list HDMI 2.1 and Dolby Vision‑class features; just note some models, like HP Omen 27k, include only a single HDMI 2.1 port—plan your inputs.

Value-focused 1440p builds

AOC Q27G40XMN at 180Hz is an easy recommendation for mid‑range GPUs—fast enough for shooters, sharp enough for AAA, and wallet‑friendly.

Pricing, ports, and platform compatibility

Max refresh by port (typical today):

• DisplayPort 2.1: up to 4K 240Hz on modern GPUs; ideal for bleeding‑edge PC bandwidth.
• HDMI 2.1: enables 4K 120Hz on consoles and up to 4K 240Hz on select PC monitors; great for dual‑platform setups.
• Older DP 1.4/HDMI 2.0: fine for 1080p/1440p high refresh; limited for true 4K 240Hz.

Highlighting flexible port arrays and KVM/USB‑C can simplify dual‑system desks and preserve bandwidth for high‑refresh modes. Gaming Device Advisor calls out these port limits and conveniences in each pick so setups work as expected.

DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 considerations

Check for DP 2.1 or confirmed 4K 240Hz support. TFTCentral notes PG27UCDM includes DisplayPort 2.1, ensuring ample bandwidth. By contrast, older esports value models like VG279QM rely on HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.2, which are perfect for 1080p 240Hz but not for 4K high refresh, per IGN.

Dual-system KVM and USB-C options

USB‑C video plus a built‑in KVM can cut cables and make switching rigs instant. PCMag points to HP’s Omen 27k for its integrated KVM—a convenience if you juggle a work laptop and a gaming PC.

Suggested features table (examples):

• PG27UCDM: USB‑C (model‑dependent), KVM: limited/varies, Firmware: updatable, Hub: yes.
• HP Omen 27k: USB‑C with KVM; multiple USB‑A; easy source switching.
• FO32U2 Pro: robust hub options; check region‑specific USB‑C wattage.

Console feature support and 120Hz modes

HDMI 2.1 is required for 4K 120Hz and VRR on PS5 and Xbox. Dolby Vision gaming support varies by model; PG27UCDM‑class monitors list HDMI 2.1 and Dolby Vision‑class features in spec sheets, per TFTCentral. Checklist: count of HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR toggle, ALLM, HDR10/Dolby Vision notes.

Timing and deal strategies

Track major sales and new‑panel rollovers to stretch your budget. Black Friday/Cyber Monday, back‑to‑school, and post‑CES windows often deliver the steepest cuts—and last‑gen models can become steals as inventories shift. Gaming Device Advisor updates pricing notes and picks around these events to reflect real‑time value.

When to buy and seasonal promos

Monitor CES announcements, then watch prior‑year 4K 144–240Hz models for price drops. Coupon stacking and open‑box units are common on mainstream 1440p 144–180Hz picks.

Bundle extras and extended warranties

Seek bundles that include HDMI 2.1/DP 2.1 cables, colorimeter trial discounts, or extended burn‑in coverage on OLEDs. Compare manufacturer vs. retailer plans; some add accidental damage for little extra.

Post-purchase costs and care tips

• OLED care: enable pixel refresh and screen shift, vary content, reduce static HUD brightness. PG27UCDM’s OLED Care Pro automates much of this, per TFTCentral.
• Bright rooms: favor Mini‑LED like Neo G8 for sustained HDR highlights up to ~2,000 nits in daylight, as Tom’s Hardware and TFTCentral document.

Frequently asked questions

Is 240Hz worth it over 144Hz for most gamers

It’s worth it if you regularly play competitive shooters and can sustain >200 FPS; otherwise a 144–165Hz monitor at a higher resolution usually delivers a more noticeable upgrade in image quality. For tailored picks, see Gaming Device Advisor’s latest monitor recommendations.

Do I need HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 2.1 for 4K 240Hz

Yes. For 4K at 240Hz you should look for DisplayPort 2.1 or fully featured HDMI 2.1 to ensure adequate bandwidth and VRR support on modern GPUs and consoles. Gaming Device Advisor flags these requirements in each pick.

Will OLED burn-in be a problem for gaming

With normal varied play and built‑in care features, burn‑in is unlikely for most users. Choose models with OLED care tools and consider extended coverage if you keep static HUDs on for long sessions. Gaming Device Advisor notes warranty terms and care tools in our summaries.

Should I pick 1440p 240Hz or 4K 144Hz

Pick 1440p 240Hz if you prioritize competitive speed and can push high frame rates; choose 4K 144Hz if you want sharper visuals in AAA titles and don’t always hit extreme FPS. Gaming Device Advisor’s guides include both paths with model examples.

What size monitor is best for desk gaming

For most desks, 27–32 inches is the sweet spot. Go 27" for crisp 1440p and 32" for 4K immersion, with adjustable stands or VESA mounts for comfortable posture. Check Gaming Device Advisor’s size and setup tips in our monitor guides.