Gaming monitors

What makes a monitor a gaming monitor

This list holds screens at 144 Hz and above. Refresh rate is what smooths motion, but it is not enough on its own — read three numbers together: Hz, response time and VRR.

• Refresh rate and GPU. 240 Hz only pays off if the PC actually delivers 200+ frames. With a mid-range machine, 144–180 Hz is the sweet spot.
• Resolution. Full HD at 240 Hz is the esports pick, QHD at 165–240 Hz is today's balance, and high-refresh 4K needs a top-tier card.
• VRR. FreeSync or G-Sync Compatible removes tearing — more noticeable than the gap between 144 and 165 Hz.
• Panel. Fast IPS brings speed and colour, VA better contrast, OLED the quickest response — OLED monitors are listed separately.
• Size. 24–27 inches for esports, 32 inches or an ultrawide for single-player games.

What else the desk needs

A fast monitor with a slow cable gets you nowhere: QHD at 240 Hz needs DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. For audio, see gaming headsets.

The same screen for work

A gaming monitor is perfectly good for work as long as the resolution is QHD or higher. Office-focused picks: 27-inch and 24-inch monitors.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 60 to 144 Hz difference really visible? Yes, immediately — even moving the cursor on the desktop.

Does 144 Hz work over HDMI? At QHD usually yes (HDMI 2.0), but use DisplayPort for higher rates.

Will it suit a console? PS5 and Xbox Series X output 120 Hz — choose a model with HDMI 2.1.