Best gaming monitor with high refresh rate: Top 10 options for all competitive gamers out there

In the fast-paced world of gaming, a high-quality monitor can make all the difference in your gaming experience. From stunning visuals to smooth gameplay, the right monitor can elevate your gaming setup to new heights. In this listicle, we dive into the realm of gaming monitors to bring you the best options of the year, each carefully selected to cater to different gaming needs and preferences.

Whether you're a competitive gamer looking for ultra-fast refresh rates and response times, or a casual player seeking vibrant colours and immersive visuals, our list has you covered. These monitors boast cutting-edge features such as high resolutions, wide colour gamuts, and advanced refresh rate technologies to deliver a gaming experience like no other.

Join us as we explore the top contenders in the gaming monitor market, highlighting their standout features and performance capabilities. With our comprehensive guide, you'll be able to find the perfect gaming monitor that not only meets but exceeds your expectations, bringing your favourite games to life like never before.

1. ViewSonic Gaming Monitor VX2479-HD-PRO

The ViewSonic Gaming Monitor VX2479-HD-PRO offers immersive gaming experiences with its 24-inch Full HD IPS display and 165Hz refresh rate. Its SuperClear IPS panel delivers vibrant colours from any angle, enhancing gameplay and video viewing. The 1ms response time reduces motion blur, ensuring smooth visuals even during fast-paced action. With FreeSync technology, screen tearing is eliminated for fluid graphics. The monitor is VESA mount compatible and offers a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees. However, its 250 nits brightness may be insufficient for bright environments, and the monitor lacks built-in speakers, requiring separate audio solutions.

Specifications of ViewSonic Gaming Monitor VX2479-HD-PRO

Brand: ViewSonic

Screen Size: 24 Inches

Resolution: FHD 1080p

Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Screen Surface Description: Matte

Refresh Rate: 165Hz

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers loved the sturdy build, superb response time, 170Hz refresh rate, adjustability, and brightness but had mixed opinions on quality and picture quality.

Why choose this product?

Choose this monitor for its excellent performance, height adjustability, and value for money.

2. Samsung 34-inch LED Odyssey G5 Ultra WQHD Gaming Monitor

Dive into a world of gaming excellence with the Samsung 34-inch LED Odyssey G5 Ultra WQHD Gaming Monitor. The ultra-wide WQHD resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels and a 165Hz refresh rate deliver stunning visuals and smooth gameplay. The 1000R curved design envelops you in the action, while AMD FreeSync Premium ensures tear-free gaming. With a rapid 1ms response time, you'll experience minimal motion blur. This monitor is a visual feast for gamers seeking top-tier performance and an exceptional curved display.

Specifications of Samsung 34-inch LED Odyssey G5 Ultra WQHD Gaming Monitor:

Screen Size: 34 inches

Resolution: 3440 x 1440 pixels (WQHD)

Refresh Rate: 165 Hz

Curvature: 1000R

Special Features: Curved, AMD FreeSync Premium, HDR10

Aspect Ratio: 21:09

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers loved the monitor's excellent picture quality and contrast ratio, though they noted the lack of inbuilt speakers.

Why choose this product?

Choose this monitor for its superior picture quality and impressive contrast ratio.

Also read: Best monitor to boost your efficiency and upgrade your viewing pleasure

The Acer 27-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor offers a stunning Full HD display with a 1500R curvature, ensuring an immersive gaming experience. With a blazing-fast 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms VRB response time, it provides smooth and lag-free gameplay. AMD FreeSync Premium technology eliminates screen tearing and minimizes lag, enhancing your gaming sessions. This monitor also features a zero-frame design, a wide 178-degree viewing angle, and HDR10 support for vivid visuals. Connectivity is made easy with two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort. Acer VisionCare technology reduces eye strain, making it perfect for long gaming sessions.

Specifications of Acer ED270R S3 Curved Gaming LCD Monitor

Screen Size: 27 Inches

Resolution: Full HD 1080p

Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Refresh Rate: 180Hz

Response Time: 1ms VRB

Connectivity: 2 HDMI (2.0) ports, 1 DisplayPort (1.2)

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers loved the value and picture quality, but some mentioned the lack of in-built speakers or a separate audio jack.

Why choose this product?

Choose this monitor for its excellent picture quality and solid build.

The LG QHD IPS Ultragear Gaming Monitor, spanning 27 inches, is a visual delight for gamers. With a 27-inch IPS panel and a QHD resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, it delivers vibrant and detailed visuals. The 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time ensure smooth and responsive gameplay. Featuring G-Sync compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium, this monitor eliminates screen tearing and stuttering. The monitor's sleek design includes an anti-glare screen, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking high-quality visuals and adaptive sync technology.

Specifications of LG QHD IPS Ultragear Gaming Monitor 27 Inches:

Screen Size: 27 inches

Resolution: 2560 x 1440 pixels (QHD)

Refresh Rate: 144 Hz

Response Time: 1ms

Special Features: G-Sync Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium, Anti-Glare

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers loved the brilliant quality, value for money, and good colour reproduction but noted issues with backlight bleeding and mixed opinions on brightness and HDR.

Why choose this product?

Choose this monitor for its great value, colour accuracy, and gaming performance.

Also read: Best touch screen monitor: Take your work needs to the next level with our top 5 picks

5. ZEBRONICS AC32FHD LED Gaming Monitor

The ZEBRONICS AC32FHD LED Gaming Monitor offers a 32-inch curved wide screen with an impressive 165Hz refresh rate, providing smooth visuals for an enhanced gaming experience. Its Full HD resolution (1920x1080) and 300 nits brightness deliver clear, vibrant images. The ultra-slim bezel design adds a sleek look, while built-in speakers and multiple connectivity options (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB port) add convenience. The monitor is wall-mountable and comes with a sturdy metal stand. With a headphone jack for private listening and a three-year warranty, it's a solid choice for gamers seeking performance and style.

Specifications of ZEBRONICS AC32FHD LED Gaming Monitor

Screen Size: 80 Centimetres

Resolution: FHD 1080p

Refresh Rate: 165Hz

Brightness: 300 nits

Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB Port

Design: 1800R Curved wide screen, Ultra slim bezel, Metal stand, Wall mountable

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers loved the size and value but disliked the brightness, sound quality, and resolution.

Why choose this product?

Choose this monitor for its affordability and decent picture quality.

The MSI G2412 Esports Gaming Monitor, featuring a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS panel, is a compelling choice for esports enthusiasts. With a 170Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, it delivers fluid visuals, ensuring a competitive edge. AMD FreeSync Premium technology eliminates screen tearing, providing a seamless gaming experience. The anti-glare and blue light reduction technologies prioritize eye comfort during extended gaming sessions. With a sleek design and versatile connectivity options, this monitor strikes a balance between performance and user-friendly features.

Specifications of MSI G2412 Esports Gaming Monitor 23.8 Inch Full HD:

Screen Size: 23.8 inches

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD)

Refresh Rate: 170 Hz

Response Time: 1ms

Special Features: AMD FreeSync Premium, Anti-Glare, Blue Light Reduction

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers loved the quality, thin bezels, and aesthetics, though some reported lines on the top and bottom of the screen.

Why choose this product?

Choose this monitor for its superior quality and sleek design.

Also read: Best 4K monitors: Top 10 options with cutting edge features for gamers and content creators

The Acer Nitro VG240YS is a 23.8-inch IPS Full HD gaming monitor, offering an immersive viewing experience. With a rapid 165Hz refresh rate and a response time of 0.5ms, it ensures smooth gameplay with minimal motion blur. Featuring AMD FreeSync technology, it eliminates screen tearing for a seamless gaming experience. The monitor's slim bezels and multiple gaming modes enhance visual appeal and customization, making it a compelling choice for gamers seeking high performance and aesthetics.

Specifications of Acer Nitro VG240YS 23.8 Inch IPS Full HD Gaming LCD Monitor:

Screen Size: 23.8 inches

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD)

Refresh Rate: 165 Hz

Response Time: 0.5ms

Special Features: AMD FreeSync, Integrated Stereo Speakers

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers loved the value, colour accuracy, and picture quality, calling it the best budget gaming monitor despite backlight bleeding issues.

Why choose this product?

Choose this monitor for exceptional colour accuracy and budget-friendly gaming performance.

8. Zebronics 24-inch Gaming Monitor, 165Hz, IPS

Zebronics presents a 24-inch gaming monitor with a stellar 165Hz refresh rate, delivering a responsive gaming experience. The IPS panel ensures vibrant and accurate colours, complemented by a Full HD resolution. The ultraslim bezels and metal stand contribute to its modern aesthetic. With features like built-in speakers and wall-mountability, it strikes a balance between performance and convenience, making it an attractive choice for gamers with diverse preferences.

Specifications of Zebronics 24-inch Gaming Monitor, 165Hz, IPS:

Screen Size: 24 inches

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD)

Refresh Rate: 165 Hz

Response Time: Not specified

Special Features: Built-in Speakers, Ultra Slim Bezel

The FRONTECH 18.5-inch LED Monitor offers an affordable and energy-efficient option for users with space constraints. With a resolution of 1366x768 pixels, it provides sharp visuals, and the 16:9 screen ratio enhances the viewing experience. While it may lack the advanced features of gaming monitors, it serves well for regular use with a decent refresh rate of 75Hz. The slim and stylish design makes it suitable for various settings, providing clear visuals in a budget-friendly package. Beginners and casual gamers can enjoy gaming on this monitor on a budget.

Specifications of FRONTECH 18.5 Inch LED Monitor

Screen Size: 18.5 inches

Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels

Refresh Rate: 75 Hz

Response Time: 3ms

Special Features: Energy Efficient

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers loved the budget-friendly price and awesome picture quality but noted issues with spot visibility, fading, and horizontal lines.

Why choose this product?

Choose this monitor for its great value and excellent picture quality.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers report poor sound quality, low audio volume, and the need for a docking station, with mixed opinions on value, quality, and picture quality.

Why choose this product?

Choose this monitor for its sleek design and vibrant display.

Also read: Best 22 inch monitors for your work setup: Top 8 models with exceptional visuals and performance

9. FRONTECH 18.5 Inch LED Monitor

The GIGABYTE G24F 2 is a 23.8-inch gaming LED monitor featuring a 1920 x 1080 Full HD SS IPS display. With a refresh rate of 165Hz (overclockable to 180Hz) and a 1ms (MPRT) response time, it ensures smooth and responsive gameplay. The monitor supports 95% DCI-P3 and 125% sRGB color gamuts, providing vibrant and accurate colors. It is HDR-ready and comes with AMD FreeSync Premium technology to eliminate screen tearing. Additional features include multiple connectivity options, a flicker-free display, and unique gaming tools like OSD Sidekick and Aim Stabilizer, making it a solid choice for gamers.

Specifications of GIGABYTE G24F 2

Screen Size: 23.8 inches

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels (FHD)

Refresh Rate: 165Hz (180Hz overclocked)

Response Time: 1ms (MPRT)

Colour Saturation: 95% DCI-P3, 125% sRGB

Connectivity: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers loved the value, quality, and smooth 180Hz refresh rate, making it great for gaming with an amazing response time.

Why choose this product?

Choose this monitor for its exceptional gaming performance and high refresh rate.

Factors to consider when buying a gaming monitor

When buying a gaming monitor, several factors can significantly impact your gaming experience:

• Resolution: Choose a resolution that balances performance and visual quality based on your graphics card capabilities. Common options include 1080p (Full HD), 1440p (QHD), and 4K (UHD).
• Refresh rate: A higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, provides smoother gameplay, especially in fast-paced games. Ensure your graphics card can support the monitor's refresh rate.
• Response time: Lower response times, ideally 1ms or 2ms, reduce motion blur and ghosting, crucial for competitive gaming.
• Panel type: IPS panels offer better colour accuracy and viewing angles, while TN panels provide faster response times. VA panels strike a balance between the two.
• Adaptive sync: Technologies like NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync synchronize the monitor's refresh rate with your graphics card, reducing stuttering and screen tearing for a smoother gaming experience.

Which gaming monitor brand is the best?

The best gaming monitor brand can vary based on individual needs and preferences, but several brands consistently stand out for their quality and performance. LG is renowned for its high-end gaming monitors, offering cutting-edge features like high refresh rates and adaptive sync technologies. Acer is another top contender, known for its diverse range of gaming monitors catering to different budgets and requirements. MSI is highly regarded for its monitors' colour accuracy and eye-care technologies, making them ideal for long gaming sessions. Other notable brands include LG, Samsung, and Dell, each offering unique features and technologies to enhance the gaming experience. Ultimately, the best brand depends on your specific needs and budget.

How important is high refresh rate in gaming monitors?

A high refresh rate is crucial for gaming monitors as it directly impacts the smoothness and responsiveness of gameplay. A higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, allows the monitor to refresh the image more times per second, resulting in smoother motion and reduced motion blur, especially in fast-paced games. This higher refresh rate also reduces input lag, making the monitor more responsive to your actions. Overall, a high refresh rate can significantly enhance the gaming experience, providing a competitive edge and making games feel more immersive and lifelike.

Top 3 features of best gaming monitors

Best value for money monitor for gaming

Zebronics presents the best value for money 24-inch gaming monitor with an impressive 165Hz refresh rate, ensuring a responsive gaming experience. The IPS panel delivers vibrant and accurate colours, enhanced by Full HD resolution. Its ultraslim bezels and metal stand offer a modern aesthetic. Features like built-in speakers and wall-mountability add to its appeal, striking a balance between performance and convenience, making it an excellent choice for gamers with diverse preferences.

Best overall monitor for gaming

The ViewSonic Gaming Monitor VX2479-HD-PRO stands out as the best overall gaming monitor. It features a 24-inch Full HD IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate, offering an immersive gaming experience. The SuperClear IPS panel delivers vibrant colours from any angle, enhancing both gameplay and video viewing. With a 1ms response time, motion blur is significantly reduced, ensuring smooth visuals during fast-paced action. FreeSync technology eliminates screen tearing, providing fluid graphics. The monitor is VESA mount compatible and offers a wide 178-degree viewing angle.

Similar articles for you

Best curved display monitors: Take your viewing experience to the next level with our picks

The Ultimate Guide to HP Monitors: Check out the 6 best HP monitors for every need

Best monitors under ₹2000 in India: Comparing top budget display options

Best 27 inch monitors: Top 9 high resolution options to upgrade your professional work setup

Disclaimer: At Livemint, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Mint has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.