Comparing the Best 144Hz and 240Hz Monitors for Gamers

If you've been shopping for a gaming monitor lately, you've probably seen the terms "144Hz" and "240Hz" thrown around everywhere. But what do these numbers actually mean for your gaming experience? And more importantly—is it worth shelling out the extra cash for those higher refresh rates?

As someone who's spent way too many hours testing monitors (and even more hours gaming on them), I'm here to break down everything you need to know about high refresh rate monitors without the marketing fluff. Whether you're a competitive esports player or just someone who wants games to look their absolute best, this guide will help you figure out which monitor deserves a spot on your desk.

Understanding Refresh Rates: What 144Hz and 240Hz Actually Mean

Let's start with the basics. A monitor's refresh rate—measured in Hertz (Hz)—tells you how many times per second the screen can draw a new image. A standard monitor typically runs at 60Hz, meaning it refreshes the image 60 times per second.

When you bump that up to 144Hz, you're getting 144 refreshes per second, and at 240Hz, well, you can do the math. But what does this actually look like in practice?

The difference between 60Hz and 144Hz is immediately noticeable to most people. Everything from your mouse cursor to in-game movements appears much smoother. It's like the difference between watching a flipbook animation and a smooth video. The jump from 144Hz to 240Hz is more subtle but still perceptible, especially in fast-paced games where split-second reactions matter.

"When I switched from 60Hz to 144Hz, it felt like I'd been playing with a handicap my whole life," says Marcus Chen, a semi-pro Valorant player. "Going to 240Hz was less dramatic but definitely gave me that extra edge in tracking fast-moving targets."

It's worth noting that refresh rate is different from response time (which we'll get to later), though both affect how smooth your gaming experience feels.

Who Benefits Most from High Refresh Rate Monitors?

Not all gamers will see the same benefits from high refresh rates. Here's a quick breakdown of who should consider investing in 144Hz or 240Hz monitors:

Competitive FPS Players

If you're into games like Counter-Strike, Valorant, Overwatch, or Apex Legends, a high refresh rate can genuinely improve your performance. These games require precise tracking and quick reactions, both of which benefit from smoother visuals.

Racing and Fighting Game Enthusiasts

Games where timing is everything—like racing sims or fighting games—can feel more responsive and precise at higher refresh rates.

Esports Aspirants

If you're trying to climb the ranks in any competitive game, removing technical limitations should be part of your strategy. Many pro players consider 240Hz monitors to be standard equipment now.

Gamers Who Value Smoothness

Even if you're more into single-player experiences, higher refresh rates can make everything from scrolling through your inventory to panning the camera feel significantly more pleasant.

Who Might Not Need It?

If you primarily play strategy games, turn-based RPGs, or other slower-paced titles, the benefits of super-high refresh rates might be less noticeable. Similarly, if your PC can barely maintain 60 FPS in most games, upgrading to a 240Hz monitor probably isn't the best use of your budget.

Key Specs to Consider Beyond Refresh Rate

While refresh rate gets all the attention, several other specifications can make or break your gaming experience:

Panel Type

• TN (Twisted Nematic): Often the cheapest option with the fastest response times, but poorer viewing angles and color reproduction.
• IPS (In-Plane Switching): Better colors and viewing angles but traditionally slower response times (though modern gaming IPS panels have largely solved this).
• VA (Vertical Alignment): Great contrast ratios for deep blacks, but sometimes suffers from "smearing" in dark scenes.

"Panel type is probably the most overlooked aspect when people buy gaming monitors," explains tech reviewer Sarah Johnson. "A bad panel can ruin your experience even if it has a high refresh rate."

Response Time

This measures how quickly a pixel can change from one color to another, usually measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower is better, with 1ms being the gold standard for gaming. High refresh rates with slow response times can lead to motion blur, defeating the purpose of having those extra frames.

Resolution

Common resolutions include:

• 1080p (1920×1080) - Still the most popular for competitive gaming
• 1440p (2560×1440) - The sweet spot between visual quality and performance
• 4K (3840×2160) - Stunning detail but demands powerful hardware

Remember that higher resolutions require significantly more GPU power to maintain high frame rates.

Adaptive Sync Technology

• G-Sync (NVIDIA): Eliminates screen tearing and stuttering but only works with NVIDIA GPUs and tends to add a premium to the monitor's price.
• FreeSync (AMD): Similar benefits to G-Sync but works with AMD GPUs and typically doesn't add much to the cost.

Many newer G-Sync monitors are also "FreeSync compatible," giving you the best of both worlds.

HDR Support

High Dynamic Range can make games look more vibrant with better contrast, but monitor HDR implementation varies widely in quality. Look for DisplayHDR certifications (with higher numbers indicating better performance) rather than just "HDR compatible."

The Best 144Hz Gaming Monitors

Now let's look at some specific models that stand out in the 144Hz category:

Best Overall 144Hz Monitor: LG 27GL83A-B

Specs:

• 27-inch IPS panel
• 1440p resolution
• 144Hz refresh rate
• 1ms response time (GtG)
• NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible

What makes this monitor special is its perfect balance of features. The IPS panel delivers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles without sacrificing speed. At 1440p, you get noticeably sharper images than 1080p monitors while still being able to achieve high frame rates with mid-range GPUs.

"I recommend this to almost everyone who asks me about gaming monitors," says PC builder Jesse Torres. "It hits the sweet spot for price-to-performance and doesn't have any major weaknesses."

Best Budget 144Hz Monitor: AOC 24G2

Specs:

• 24-inch IPS panel
• 1080p resolution
• 144Hz refresh rate
• 1ms response time (MPRT)
• FreeSync Premium

If you're watching your wallet, this AOC model delivers impressive performance for its price point. The smaller screen size means the 1080p resolution still looks crisp, and the recent move to an IPS panel (from the older TN version) means you don't sacrifice color quality for speed.

Best Ultrawide 144Hz Monitor: Gigabyte G34WQC

Specs:

• 34-inch VA panel
• 3440×1440 ultrawide resolution
• 144Hz refresh rate
• 1ms response time (MPRT)
• FreeSync Premium

For immersive gaming, it's hard to beat an ultrawide monitor. This Gigabyte model offers an expansive curved display that wraps around your field of view, making games feel more engaging. The VA panel provides excellent contrast for atmospheric games, though competitive players might notice some dark scene smearing.

The Best 240Hz Gaming Monitors

If you're looking for the absolute smoothest gaming experience, these 240Hz monitors deliver:

Best Overall 240Hz Monitor: ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM

Specs:

• 27-inch IPS panel
• 1440p resolution
• 240Hz refresh rate
• 1ms response time (GtG)
• NVIDIA G-Sync

This monitor represents the current pinnacle of gaming display technology. It combines the smoothness of 240Hz with the visual clarity of 1440p resolution and the color accuracy of a high-end IPS panel. The only real downside is the price, which puts it firmly in premium territory.

"If you're serious about competitive gaming but also want your single-player games to look gorgeous, this is the monitor to get," recommends esports coach Michael Chang. "It's what I use for both training and content creation."

Best Budget 240Hz Monitor: Alienware AW2521HF

Specs:

• 25-inch IPS panel
• 1080p resolution
• 240Hz refresh rate
• 1ms response time (GtG)
• FreeSync Premium and G-Sync Compatible

Dell's Alienware line has been making waves with monitors that deliver premium features at more accessible price points. This 25-inch model uses a fast IPS panel rather than the cheaper TN panels typically found in budget high-refresh displays, resulting in better colors without sacrificing speed.

Best 240Hz Monitor for Esports: BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K

Specs:

• 24.5-inch TN panel
• 1080p resolution
• 240Hz refresh rate
• 0.5ms response time (GtG)
• DyAc+ technology

BenQ's ZOWIE line is purpose-built for competitive gaming, and this model is a favorite among professional players. While it uses a TN panel with less impressive colors than IPS alternatives, its motion clarity is unmatched thanks to the incredibly fast response time and BenQ's proprietary DyAc+ technology, which further reduces motion blur.

Price vs. Performance: Is 240Hz Worth the Extra Cost?

The eternal question: is that jump from 144Hz to 240Hz worth the premium you'll pay? Let's break it down:

Diminishing Returns

The visual difference between 60Hz and 144Hz is substantial and immediately noticeable to most people. The jump from 144Hz to 240Hz, while still perceptible, offers less dramatic improvements. We're talking about a nearly 150% increase in refresh rate when going from 60Hz to 144Hz, but only about a 67% increase when moving from 144Hz to 240Hz.

Measurable Benefits

That said, in games where milliseconds matter, studies have shown measurable improvements in target acquisition and tracking with 240Hz monitors compared to 144Hz ones. One 2019 study found that professional players had an average of 3% better accuracy with 240Hz monitors—not enormous, but potentially meaningful at the highest levels of competition.

The Price Delta

Typically, a 240Hz monitor costs about 30-50% more than a comparable 144Hz model. For example:

• A good 27-inch 1440p 144Hz IPS monitor might cost around $350-400
• A similar 240Hz version often runs $500-600

"For most gamers, I suggest putting that price difference toward a better GPU instead," advises tech YouTuber Alyssa Chen. "A 144Hz monitor with consistently high framerates will give you a better experience than a 240Hz monitor with fluctuating performance."

What Your PC Needs to Drive 144Hz and 240Hz

Having a high refresh rate monitor is only half the equation—your PC needs to be able to generate enough frames per second (FPS) to take advantage of it.

For 144Hz at 1080p

To consistently hit 144+ FPS at 1080p in modern games, you'll generally want:

• CPU: At least an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or Intel Core i5-12600K
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti / AMD RX 6700 XT or better
• RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200 or faster

For 240Hz at 1080p

To push toward that 240 FPS mark, you'll need significantly more power:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D or Intel Core i7-12700K or better
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 / AMD RX 6800 XT or better
• RAM: 16GB+ DDR4-3600 or faster

For 144Hz at 1440p

The jump to 1440p increases the GPU requirements substantially:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X or Intel Core i7-12700K or better
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti / AMD RX 6800 or better
• RAM: 16GB+ DDR4-3600 or faster

For 240Hz at 1440p

This is currently the most demanding mainstream gaming scenario:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X / Intel Core i9-12900K or better
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3090 / AMD RX 6900 XT or better
• RAM: 32GB DDR4-3600 or faster

Keep in mind that these are generalizations—some esports titles like Counter-Strike and Valorant can hit these framerates on much more modest hardware, while demanding single-player games might struggle to reach these numbers even on top-tier systems.

Setting Up Your Monitor for Optimal Performance

Getting a high refresh rate monitor is just the first step—you need to configure it correctly to get the full benefit:

Enable the Full Refresh Rate

Many monitors don't run at their advertised refresh rate out of the box. You'll need to:

1. Right-click on your desktop and select "Display Settings"
2. Scroll down and click "Advanced display settings"
3. Click "Display adapter properties"
4. Go to the "Monitor" tab
5. Select your monitor's maximum refresh rate from the dropdown menu

Use the Right Cable

Not all display cables support high refresh rates:

• For 144Hz: DisplayPort 1.2+ or HDMI 2.0+
• For 240Hz: DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.0+ (for 1080p) or HDMI 2.1 (for 1440p)

Enable Adaptive Sync

If your monitor supports G-Sync or FreeSync, make sure it's enabled in both your monitor's OSD menu and your graphics card's control panel.

Optimize In-Game Settings

To maintain high framerates:

1. Lower graphically intensive settings like shadows and reflections
2. Consider reducing resolution scaling if necessary
3. Disable V-Sync when using adaptive sync technologies
4. Set frame rate limits just below your monitor's refresh rate when using adaptive sync

"One mistake I see all the time is people buying expensive high refresh monitors but never actually setting them up properly," notes tech support specialist Marcus Lee. "They're literally leaving performance on the table."

Common Questions About High Refresh Rate Monitors

Can the human eye actually see above 60Hz?

Absolutely. The human visual system doesn't work like a camera with a fixed "frame rate," but studies have consistently shown that people can perceive improvements well beyond 60Hz. Fighter pilots have been documented to identify images shown for as little as 1/220th of a second, suggesting our visual system can indeed process information at rates comparable to or exceeding 240Hz.

Do I need to get exactly the same FPS as my monitor's refresh rate?

Not necessarily, especially if you're using adaptive sync technology like G-Sync or FreeSync. These technologies allow your monitor's refresh rate to synchronize with your GPU's frame output, eliminating tearing and stuttering even when you're not hitting the maximum refresh rate.

Will a 144Hz or 240Hz monitor improve my gaming skills?

While a higher refresh rate won't automatically make you a better player, it removes a technical limitation that might be holding you back. Think of it like proper running shoes for a sprinter—they won't make you faster by themselves, but they allow you to perform at your best without equipment getting in the way.

Are high refresh monitors worth it for console gaming?

Current-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X can output up to 120Hz in some games, making a 144Hz monitor a reasonable pairing. However, 240Hz would be overkill for console gaming at present.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Gaming Setup

After all this, you might still be wondering: which monitor is right for me? Here's how I'd break it down:

Go for 144Hz if:

• You're upgrading from a 60Hz monitor and want a significant improvement
• You have a mid-range gaming PC that can't consistently push beyond 144 FPS
• You play a mix of competitive and story-driven games
• You want the best balance of performance and value

Choose 240Hz if:

• You're already using a 144Hz monitor and want every possible competitive advantage
• You have a high-end gaming PC that can push well beyond 144 FPS
• You primarily play competitive esports titles
• You're willing to pay a premium for the smoothest possible experience

Remember that refresh rate is just one aspect of a monitor's performance. A good quality 144Hz monitor will provide a better experience than a poor quality 240Hz one. Consider the panel type, resolution, color accuracy, and build quality alongside the refresh rate.

As monitor technology continues to advance, we're already seeing 360Hz and even 500Hz monitors hitting the market. But for most gamers, 144Hz still represents the sweet spot of noticeable improvement without breaking the bank, while 240Hz remains the choice for those seeking every possible competitive edge.

Whatever you choose, make sure you're pairing it with a PC that can take advantage of those high refresh rates—because there's nothing worse than buying a racing car and keeping it stuck in first gear.