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Looking for the best 144hz gaming monitors? We’ve written this guide for you. For many gamers, 60 frame rates are more than enough for their gaming experiences and in that case, any monitor that is around 60-75hz does an excellent job in keeping up with what’s going on in the video game.
However, there are thousands of gamers who like to take things to the next step and achieve higher framerates which allow their games to be smoother – whether it’s for hardcore gaming at home or to gain the competitive edge needed for e-sports and ranked gameplay.
At first, this was something that only PC gamers had to concern themselves with since console gaming has always been 60 frames at most, while often struggling to remain stable even there. However, with the release of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S – even consoles have begun offering higher frame rates and refresh rates as well, which means that having a monitor that can keep up with these things is more important than ever.
While there are many different refresh rates above 60-75hz, monitors with 144hz have become kind of a standard in gamers right now, especially since the technology is finally more affordable compared to when it was entirely new.
It can, of course, take a lot of time to find the right monitor for yourself – so that’s why we’re here to help you out.
We’ve created a thorough guide of the best 144hz gaming monitors that will take your gaming experiences to the next level, these monitors fall under the category of cheap, curved gaming monitors, portable, with 4K display G-Sync 144hz monitors spawning from weeks of research and testing.
And not only that, but we’re also going to explain to you why you need a 144hz gaming monitor in the first place too. So, let’s get started with this guide and find you an awesome monitor to
Related read: The Best Budget Gaming Monitors for PS5 (2021 Guide)
144hz Gaming Explained
Naturally, before we get into the list of the best 144hz gaming monitors we have for you today – we’re going to explain what 144hz gaming is all about and why it matters for your experiences.
Here are some things you need to know about 144hz gaming:
1. Refresh Rates Explained
The very first thing to know here is that a refresh rate essentially dictates how quickly the imagery on your screen will react to the changes that are taking place in a video game. A smaller refresh rate means that it will take more time to relay that information to you, while a higher refresh rate guarantees that it will show you what’s going on as soon as it takes place in real-time.
2. Gaming At 144Hz
The second thing is related to frame rates. If you have a 60hz monitor and play games at a maximum of 60fps – you will see the imagery perfectly and everything that is being displayed in the game will show up just fine to you.
However, hardware today has become more capable in both the PC and console platformers – and that means we can now achieve higher framerates in video games.
What happens now is that if the video game is at, for example, 120fps and your monitor only supports a refresh rate of 60hz – while you will still be able to play the video game just fine and the framerate will feel even smoother, you might begin experiencing screen-tearing.
The reason that happens is that your monitor is unable to keep up with the frame rates as they are relaying the imagery very quickly to your monitor but unfortunately, it’s unable to show it to you at the same rate, and this eventually causes the aforementioned visual issue.
An important thing to note here is that not everyone has the type of computer or gaming console that can utilize high frame rates and refresh rates, and in that case, it’s not exactly necessary to get a 144hz monitor as it will not fit in your budget.
However, if you do have something that is capable of displaying better speed – then you are certainly on the right path of upgrades and need to get a 144 monitor immediately.
3. It Depends
Lastly, yet very importantly, if you intend to play video games competitively, whether it’s for ranked online games, local tournaments, or e-sports gaming – it’s an extremely essential thing that you should immediately buy a 144hz monitor.
The reason behind this is that, like previously mentioned, a higher refresh rate allows you to see changes as quickly as they happen.
In a casual experience, it does not matter if you see your enemy a second later than usual – but when it comes to competition, it’s absolutely important that you are able to track down your enemies as soon as they make a move – and that can be relayed to you slower if you’re on a lower refresh rate, or if your monitor can’t keep up with high frame-rates and ends up displaying a tear or two.
The Best 144Hz Gaming Monitors to Buy Now
So, if you’re someone who truly needs to upgrade to 144hz gaming – you’re about to look at the 8 best 144hz gaming monitors that you can buy right now! With no further time spent explaining, let’s get right into business.
1. LG 27GN950-B 27 Inch
The monitor has 4K resolution, IPS display, 27 inches of screen, an extremely quick response time of 1ms, and of course, 144hz of refresh rate which is everything that you’re looking for.
Usually, monitors have one thing right and skip another one out – but this one offers every single thing that a good monitor needs right now in one place. And on top of everything, it even offers compatibility with G-Sync/FreeSync and good HDR – which are technologies that greatly enhance the experience.
What We Like About This Monitor
- 4K resolution, IPS display
- G-Sync/FreeSync
- Decent HDR
- 144hz refresh rate
- 1ms response time, 27 inches.
What We’d Change
- Not curved, if you’re into that.
Why we recommend it: This is currently one of the most popular monitors and for good reason. It offers the best type of panel, refresh rate, and resolution that you could possibly ask for and is sitting at 27 inches of goodness. While the price might be a bit high, if you’re using top-of-the-line graphics cards or generally play very competitively, this monitor will be a worthy investment for your gaming needs.
2. Pixio PX277 Prime 27 Inch
This monitor has 27 inches of display, a pretty good IPS panel, a great response time of 1ms, and an incredible 165hz of refresh rate. Not only that, but it also has FreeSync which allows it to eliminate screen-tearing even further and sync up the refresh rate to your game’s high frame rates.
And despite all of this, it’s priced at only $329.99 dollars so even if you’re looking for a spot in e-sports gaming, this will be exactly what you need.
What We Like About This Monitor
- 27-inch display
- IPS panel, FreeSync
- 1ms response time
- Up to 165hz refresh rate
- Low Price.
What We’d Change
- HDR is weak, which is a given for the price
- Not 4K.
Why we recommend it: Let’s be honest – not everyone needs 4K gaming. 1080p is full HD and it’s still a pretty decent way to play if you don’t mind the resolution, especially since even a lot of the recent cards, such as the Nvidia 3060ti, are not meant for true 4K gaming just yet. It has a very high refresh rate of 165hz but the price is still under the most expensive 144hz monitor that we’ve recommended on this list.
3. DELL S3220DGF 32 Inch
This monitor is all about size and has the specifications to back that up. At 32 inches, it has a decent VA panel, 165hz of refresh rate, 4ms of decent response time, FreeSync 2, and a QHD resolution that is four times 720p.
And despite the incredibly high refresh rate and a QHD resolution, it’s only $499 dollars – which is a steal considering the fact it’s from a reputable brand such as Dell.
What We Like About This Monitor
- 165hz refresh rate
- 4ms response time
- FreeSync 2, QHD resolution
- 32 inches of display
- Decent VA panel, HDR.
What We’d Change
- Not IPS display
- Not 4K
- Response time could be lower, although not at this price.
Why we recommend it: While 27 inches of the display is pretty decent – sometimes you’re looking for more. And that’s where this monitor comes in as it’s sitting on 32 inches, a pretty decent price, and a whopping refresh rate of 165hz.
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4. Razer Raptor 27 Inch
If you have noticed, a lot of the monitors on such lists mention that the HDR is less-than-favorable since it’s a relatively new and expensive technology at the time. However, this monitor offers an excellent HDR experience which is a great surprise.
On top of that, we have 27 inches of display, a WQHD resolution, 144hz of refresh rate, a top-of-the-line IPS panel, G-Sync/FreeSync compatibility, and finally, a 4ms response rate.
Not only that, but it has an RGB stand too which allows you to show off some colors while you’re peacefully gaming.
What We Like About This Monitor
- 27″ WQHD resolution
- IPS panel, Great HDR
- 144hz refresh rate
- G-Sync/FreeSync
- 4ms response time
- FREE RGB stand.
What We’d Change
- Response time could be slightly lower even for the price
- No 4K if you’re looking specifically for that.
Why we recommend it: Razer is known for putting their own touch on anything that they make – and the prices as a result don’t hold back. Surprisingly, this monitor has a long list of features that make it an excellent choice for any hardcore gamer and still manages to be priced very decently for all that it offers.
5. Acer XFA240
Despite the incredibly low price, this monitor has 24 inches of display, a refresh rate of 144hz, 1ms of response time, and compatibility with G-Sync and FreeSync. It’s the epitome of ‘budget gaming’ as you’ll be able to play very competitively without having a big dent in your wallet.
Of course, this comes at the cost of not offering you a VA/IPS panel and a lower resolution of 1080p – but you can’t have everything at once!
What We Like About This Monitor
- 144hz refresh rate
- 1ms response time
- 24-inch display, FHD
- G-Sync/FreeSync compatibility.
What We’d Change
- TN panel, which is a relatively old technology by now
- No HDR
- The resolution could be a bottleneck if your hardware is high-end.
Why we recommend it: Do you need to get started with 144hz gaming but don’t quite have the budget to aim for the skies? Well, the term ‘entry level’ is more relevant than ever with this Acer monitor. Priced at just $199.99 dollars, you will be getting G-Sync/FreeSync compatibility, 144hz of refresh rate, and even a 1ms response time.
6. ViewSonic ELITE XG270QG 27 Inch
We have 27 inches of IPS display, WQHD resolution, G-Sync/FreeSync compatibility, a massive 165 refresh rate, 1ms response time, three USB ports, a blue light filter for reduced eye strain, and integrated speakers which are very helpful if you wish to play on a console.
With so many features, the price-to-quality ratio is excellent.
What We Like About This Monitor
- IPS panel, 27-inch display
- 165 refresh rate
- 1ms response time
- G-Sync/FreeSync compatibility
- Built-in speakers and three USB ports.
What We’d Change
- WQHD resolution is slightly low for $599.99 dollars, although the sheer number of features makes up for it
- No HDR.
Why we recommend it: This monitor is packed with features. We have an amazing refresh rate of 165hz, a top-of-the-line IPS display, good response time, and other features like integrated speakers. And despite all that, the price is very reasonable too.
7. ROG STRIX XG17AHPE Portable Monitor 17.3 Inch
An IPS display of 17.3 inches that is top of the line, sharp 1080p resolution which is excellent for the screen size, a response time of 3ms, and a refresh rate of 240hz.
Not only that, but it runs on a battery that lasts quite a while – so you don’t even need to be plugged into anything while you indulge in gaming.
What We Like About This Monitor
- IPS panel
- 17.3-inch, which is excellent for a portable monitor
- 1080p, 240hz refresh rate
- 3ms response time
- Great battery life
- Adaptive-Sync.
What We’d Change
- If you value HDR very heavily, then you would be disappointed to find the lack of it here
- No Free-Sync/G-Sync
- Not recommended for non-laptop usage.
Why we recommend it: Do you have a high-end gaming laptop and are looking to attach a monitor to it for some competitive gaming? Then you might be better off with a portable monitor that, much like the laptop, you can take anywhere with you that you want – and that’s where this product comes in. Not only that, but you get an insanely high refresh rate of 240hz despite the price being far less than the most expensive monitor on the list.
8. Acer Predator X38 37.5 Inch
First of all, this monitor has a 37.5-inch display that also happens to be IPS. Then we have an ultrawide QHD resolution that is basically the 4K of widescreen gaming, 144hz of refresh rate that can be overclocked to 175hz, 1ms of response time, and compatibility with G-Sync.
It’s as immersive as gaming can possibly get and will show you a bigger picture than anything else on this list.
What We Like About This Monitor
- 37.5-inch curved display
- IPS panel, Decent HDR
- Ultrawide 3840×1600 resolution
- 144hz refresh rate (175hz if overclocked)
- 1ms response time
- G-Sync compatible.
What We’d Change
- Might be too big for some people.
Why we recommend it: Not everyone is on a budget – and if that applies to you, then there is no better monitor that you can get your hands on right now. It is incredibly big in size, offers a top-of-the-line curved and widescreen display. Of course, the response time and refresh rate are as good as it gets too, which was the main point of the guide. You owe it to yourself to get this one if you have the money to spare!
That wraps up our guide for the best 144hz gaming monitors that you can get in 2021! We hope that you found the gaming monitor that is best suited for you on this list, and we’re here to answer any questions that you might have too.
And while you’re still around, don’t forget to check out some of our other helpful gaming guides too.
