240Hz vs 144Hz Gaming Monitors: Which One is Right for You?

Q: Is 144Hz vs 240Hz noticeable?

Yes, but the difference is more subtle than going from 60Hz to 144Hz . A 240Hz monitor provides smoother motion clarity and lower input lag , but it’s most beneficial for competitive esports players who need the fastest response times .

Q: Is more than 144Hz overkill?

Yes, 144Hz is more than enough for casual gaming. If you play story-driven games, RPGs, or strategy titles , a higher refresh rate won’t provide much benefit compared to investing in a higher-resolution display.

Q: What is the best 144Hz monitor?

The best 144Hz monitor is the Dell Alienware AW3423DWF . It features a QD-OLED panel for deep blacks, vivid colors, and outstanding HDR performance . With a 165Hz refresh rate and near-instant response time , it delivers smooth motion clarity at 144Hz with no noticeable blur . It also supports all major VRR formats to prevent screen tearing. Its 34-inch ultrawide screen enhances immersive gaming , making it a top choice for both competitive play and cinematic experiences .

Q: Which 240Hz monitor is best?

The MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED is the best 240Hz gaming monitor, offering near-instant response time , minimal motion blur , and outstanding picture quality . Its 4K resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate makes it ideal for high-end gaming setups, and it supports HDMI 2.1 for modern GPUs. The QD-OLED panel delivers deep blacks, vivid colors, and excellent HDR performance . For more customization in HDR and Dolby Vision support , the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM is a great alternative, but it’s more expensive and not necessary for most users .

Q: Is it worth getting a 240Hz monitor?

A 240Hz monitor is worth it if you are a competitive esports player or plan to use it for several years . However, if you’re looking for a balance of performance and affordability , a 144Hz monitor provides excellent value .

Last Updated on March 14, 2025 by Tyler

Gamers looking for the best refresh rates often debate between 240Hz vs 144Hz gaming monitors. But is 240Hz really worth it over 144Hz? In this guide, we break down the differences in gaming performance, input lag, and whether upgrading makes sense for you.

Table of Contents

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What Is Refresh Rate and Why Does It Matter?

A monitor’s refresh rate (measured in Hz) determines how many times per second the image updates.

✔ 144Hz Gaming Monitor – 144 refreshes per second for smoother gameplay over 60Hz.
✔ 240Hz Gaming Monitor – 240 refreshes per second for faster reactions & ultra-clear motion.

📌 For fast-paced FPS games like Valorant, CS:GO, and Warzone, refresh rate can impact reaction times and aiming precision.

FPS vs Refresh Rate: How It Affects 240Hz vs 144Hz gaming monitors

Many gamers confuse FPS (frames per second) and refresh rate when choosing between 144Hz vs 240Hz gaming monitors, but they are not the same. FPS is the number of frames your GPU can produce per second, while refresh rate is how many times your monitor updates per second.

🔹 144Hz Monitor + 144 FPS → Smooth performance with no wasted frames.
🔹 240Hz Monitor + 144 FPS → Wasted potential; the monitor refreshes faster than the GPU can supply frames.
🔹 240Hz Monitor + 240 FPS → Maximum smoothness and responsiveness for competitive gaming.

For the best gaming performance, especially when comparing 240Hz vs 144Hz gaming monitors, your FPS should match or exceed your monitor’s refresh rate. If your GPU can’t consistently hit 240 FPS, you may not fully benefit from a 240Hz gaming monitor over a 144Hz model, you might not see the full benefit of a 240Hz gaming monitor. This is why many gamers opt for a 144Hz monitor instead—it delivers a great balance of performance and affordability.

If you play fast-paced FPS games like CS:GO, Valorant, or Call of Duty, pushing higher FPS on a 240Hz monitor can give you a competitive edge by reducing motion blur and input lag. However, for casual and single-player gaming, a 144Hz gaming monitor provides excellent performance without the extra cost of a 240Hz gaming monitor.

240Hz vs 144Hz gaming monitors: Key Differences

🎥 Watch: 144Hz vs 240Hz Side-by-Side Gameplay Comparison

Feature	144Hz Gaming Monitor	240Hz Gaming Monitor
Smoothness	Very smooth	Ultra-smooth
Motion Clarity	Minimal blur	Sharpest visuals
Input Lag	Low	Even lower
Hardware Demand	Moderate	High (needs 240 FPS consistently)
Best For	Competitive & casual gaming	Hardcore esports
Price	Affordable	Expensive

🔗 Check 144Hz Gaming Monitors on Amazon | 🔗 Check 240Hz Gaming Monitors on Amazon

Who Should Buy a 240Hz Monitor?

✅ Esports players & FPS gamers – Competitive games like CS:GO & Valorant feel more responsive.
✅ High-end PC users – If you have an RTX 4080 or top-tier AMD GPU, 240Hz lets you maximize smoothness.
✅ Future-proofing – If you want to stay ahead of the curve, 240Hz gives long-term value.

Who Should Buy a 144Hz Monitor?

✅ Casual and competitive gamers – A huge upgrade from 60Hz, without breaking the bank.
✅ Mid-range GPU owners – If your PC can’t push 240 FPS, stick with 144Hz for smoother performance.
✅ RPG & story-driven gamers – 240Hz is overkill if you mainly play single-player games.

🔗 See 144Hz Gaming Monitors on Amazon

🎥 Watch: Best 144Hz Gaming Monitors Reviewed

Top 5 Best 240Hz Gaming Monitors (2025) – Quick Comparison

Monitor	Panel Type	Resolution	Response Time	HDR Support	Buy Now
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED	QD-OLED	4K (3840×2160)	0.03ms (GtG)	HDR10+	Check Price
ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM	QD-OLED	4K (3840×2160)	0.03ms (GtG)	Dolby Vision, HDR10	Check Price
ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG	WOLED	1440p (2560×1440)	0.03ms (GtG)	HDR10	Check Price
Alienware AW2723DF	Fast IPS	1440p (2560×1440)	1ms (GtG)	VESA DisplayHDR 600	Check Price
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SD)	QD-OLED	1440p (3440×1440) (Ultrawide)	0.03ms (GtG)	HDR True Black 400	Check Price

🎥 Watch: Is a 240Hz Monitor Worth It?

Best Overall: MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED

⭐ Why It’s Great: The best 240Hz gaming monitor for 4K gamers who want fast response times, deep blacks, and HDR gaming.
📌 Key Features:

4K resolution at 240Hz → Stunning detail & ultra-smooth motion.
QD-OLED panel → Deep blacks, wide color gamut, and vibrant HDR.
Near-instant response time (0.03ms GtG) → No motion blur.
HDMI 2.1 & DisplayPort 2.1 → Supports modern GPUs.

🎯 Best For: High-end PC & console gamers who want top-tier visuals with zero compromise.

🥇 Best Premium: ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM

⭐ Why It’s Great: Best for competitive gamers who want OLED speed with 4K resolution & Dolby Vision HDR.
📌 Key Features:

4K @ 240Hz OLED panel → Sharp visuals & ultra-smooth gameplay.
Dolby Vision & HDR10 → Better HDR performance than most monitors.
0.03ms GtG response time → Virtually no motion blur.
Premium build quality with ASUS gaming features.

🎯 Best For: Esports & high-end gamers who demand OLED precision with 4K clarity.

💰 Best Value OLED: ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG

⭐ Why It’s Great: A budget-friendly OLED 240Hz monitor for 1440p gamers.
📌 Key Features:

1440p @ 240Hz WOLED panel → Fast & vibrant visuals.
0.03ms GtG response time → Eliminates ghosting in fast-paced games.
HDR10 support → Solid HDR performance at a lower price.

🎯 Best For: Gamers who want OLED quality without the premium 4K price.

⚡ Best Fast IPS Alternative: Alienware AW2723DF

⭐ Why It’s Great: A Fast IPS alternative to OLED with high brightness & esports speed.
📌 Key Features:

1440p @ 240Hz Fast IPS panel → Crisp visuals & great motion clarity.
1ms GtG response time → Still competitive against OLED.
VESA DisplayHDR 600 → Strong HDR performance for an IPS monitor.
NVIDIA G-SYNC & AMD FreeSync Premium → Tear-free gaming.

🎯 Best For: Esports gamers who prefer Fast IPS over OLED burn-in concerns.

🌟 Best Ultrawide: Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SD)

⭐ Why It’s Great: A QD-OLED ultrawide with 240Hz refresh rate for immersive gaming.
📌 Key Features:

3440×1440 ultrawide QD-OLED → More screen space for gaming & productivity.
240Hz refresh rate & 0.03ms response time → Ultra-fluid motion.
HDR True Black 400 → Excellent contrast & colors.
Sleek, futuristic design with smart TV features.

🎯 Best For: Immersive gaming & multitasking on a high-refresh ultrawide OLED.

🎯 Which 240Hz Monitor Should You Buy?

If you want…	Best Monitor
The best 4K 240Hz OLED experience	🏆 MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
OLED with premium HDR & Dolby Vision	🥇 ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM
A budget-friendly OLED 240Hz option	💰 ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG
A Fast IPS alternative for esports	⚡ Alienware AW2723DF
An immersive ultrawide experience	🌟 Samsung Odyssey OLED G8

Top 5 Best 144Hz Gaming Monitors (2025) – Quick Comparison

Monitor	Panel Type	Resolution	Response Time	HDR Support	Buy Now
Alienware AW3423DWF	QD-OLED (Ultrawide)	3440×1440 (UWQHD)	0.03ms (GtG)	HDR True Black 400	Check Price
AOC Q27G3XMN	Mini-LED IPS	2560×1440 (QHD)	1ms (GtG)	DisplayHDR 1000	Check Price
Gigabyte M27U	IPS	4K (3840×2160)	1ms (GtG)	DisplayHDR 600	Check Price
ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQ	IPS	4K (3840×2160)	1ms (GtG)	DisplayHDR 600	Check Price
LG 32GQ850-B	Nano IPS	2560×1440 (QHD)	1ms (GtG)	VESA DisplayHDR 600	Check Price

🏆 Best Overall: -Alienware AW3423DWF

⭐ Why It’s Great: The best 144Hz gaming monitor for immersive ultrawide gaming & OLED contrast.
📌 Key Features:

QD-OLED panel → Superior contrast, deep blacks, and vivid colors.
3440×1440 ultrawide resolution → Wider field of view for gaming & productivity.
0.03ms response time → Virtually no motion blur.
AMD FreeSync Premium Pro → Smooth gameplay without screen tearing.

🎯 Best For: Gamers who want an immersive ultrawide experience with OLED clarity.

💡 Best Mini-LED Option: AOC Q27G3XMN

⭐ Why It’s Great: A budget-friendly Mini-LED 144Hz gaming monitor with high HDR brightness.
📌 Key Features:

Mini-LED IPS panel → Better contrast than standard IPS.
1440p @ 144Hz → Smooth performance with great sharpness.
1ms GtG response time → Fast enough for esports.
DisplayHDR 1000 → Higher brightness & HDR pop than most monitors.

🎯 Best For: Gamers who want bright HDR without OLED burn-in concerns.

⚡ Best Budget 4K 144Hz: Gigabyte M27U

⭐ Why It’s Great: A 4K 144Hz gaming monitor at a more affordable price point.
📌 Key Features:

IPS 4K panel at 144Hz → Sharp visuals & smooth motion.
1ms GtG response time → Crisp motion clarity.
DisplayHDR 600 → Decent HDR for the price.
KVM switch → Great for multitasking between multiple devices.

🎯 Best For: Budget-conscious gamers looking for a 4K 144Hz experience.

🔥 Best Premium 4K 144Hz: ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQ

⭐ Why It’s Great: A high-end 4K 144Hz monitor with premium HDR support.
📌 Key Features:

4K @ 144Hz IPS panel → Crisp, color-accurate visuals.
1ms GtG response time → No motion blur.
DisplayHDR 600 → Strong HDR support for immersive visuals.
NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible & FreeSync Premium Pro → Adaptive sync support.

🎯 Best For: Gamers who want a premium 4K 144Hz monitor with great HDR.

🌟 Best 1440p 144Hz with Nano IPS: LG 32GQ850-B

⭐ Why It’s Great: A Nano IPS gaming monitor with faster response times and better colors than standard IPS.
📌 Key Features:

1440p @ 144Hz Nano IPS panel → Vibrant color accuracy.
1ms GtG response time → Competitive gaming-ready.
VESA DisplayHDR 600 → Better HDR brightness than standard IPS.
98% DCI-P3 color coverage → Excellent for gaming & content creation.

🎯 Best For: Gamers who want accurate colors with a fast 144Hz refresh rate.

🎯 Which 144Hz Monitor Should You Buy?

If you want…	Best Monitor
The best ultrawide OLED gaming monitor	🏆 Alienware AW3423DWF
A Mini-LED 144Hz monitor with great HDR	💡 AOC Q27G3XMN
A budget-friendly 4K 144Hz option	⚡ Gigabyte M27U
A high-end 4K 144Hz experience	🔥 ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQ
A 1440p 144Hz monitor with Nano IPS colors	🌟 LG 32GQ850-B

Final Verdict: 240Hz vs 144Hz gaming monitors? Which Gaming Monitor Should You Choose?

Choosing between 240Hz vs 144Hz gaming monitors depends on your gaming style, hardware, and budget. If you’re a competitive esports player, investing in a 240Hz gaming monitor can provide smoother motion clarity, reduced input lag, and a slight edge in fast-paced FPS games like CS:GO, Valorant, and Call of Duty. However, if your PC cannot maintain 240 FPS consistently, you may not fully utilize the potential of a 240Hz refresh rate.

For most gamers, a 144Hz gaming monitor strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability. It delivers a significant improvement over 60Hz monitors, making gameplay smoother and more immersive while being more accessible for mid-range gaming PCs. A 144Hz monitor is ideal for casual gamers, RPG lovers, and anyone looking for an affordable yet high-performance upgrade.

Additionally, hardware limitations play a crucial role in your decision. If your GPU struggles to push beyond 144 FPS, a 240Hz monitor won’t provide a noticeable benefit. Instead, you’d be better off investing in a 144Hz gaming monitor with better color accuracy, resolution, or additional features like G-Sync or FreeSync.

Summary: Which One Should You Buy?

🔹 Choose a 144Hz gaming monitor if you want a great balance of performance, price, and compatibility. It’s perfect for most gamers.
🔹 Choose a 240Hz gaming monitor if you are an esports competitor, have a high-end gaming PC, and want the absolute best motion clarity and response time.

Regardless of your choice, upgrading from 60Hz to a high refresh rate monitor will transform your gaming experience.

💡 144Hz is the best choice for most gamers, offering smooth gameplay at a great price.
💡 240Hz is for serious esports players, providing next-level motion clarity and reaction time.

🔥 Want an instant advantage in gaming? Upgrade to 144Hz or 240Hz and feel the difference. Click here to grab the best monitor deals before prices go up!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is 144Hz vs 240Hz noticeable?

Yes, but the difference is more subtle than going from 60Hz to 144Hz. A 240Hz monitor provides smoother motion clarity and lower input lag, but it’s most beneficial for competitive esports players who need the fastest response times.

Is more than 144Hz overkill?

Yes, 144Hz is more than enough for casual gaming. If you play story-driven games, RPGs, or strategy titles, a higher refresh rate won’t provide much benefit compared to investing in a higher-resolution display.

What is the best 144Hz monitor?

The best 144Hz monitor is the Dell Alienware AW3423DWF. It features a QD-OLED panel for deep blacks, vivid colors, and outstanding HDR performance. With a 165Hz refresh rate and near-instant response time, it delivers smooth motion clarity at 144Hz with no noticeable blur. It also supports all major VRR formats to prevent screen tearing.
Its 34-inch ultrawide screen enhances immersive gaming, making it a top choice for both competitive play and cinematic experiences.

Which 240Hz monitor is best?

The MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED is the best 240Hz gaming monitor, offering near-instant response time, minimal motion blur, and outstanding picture quality. Its 4K resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate makes it ideal for high-end gaming setups, and it supports HDMI 2.1 for modern GPUs. The QD-OLED panel delivers deep blacks, vivid colors, and excellent HDR performance.
For more customization in HDR and Dolby Vision support, the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM is a great alternative, but it’s more expensive and not necessary for most users.

Is it worth getting a 240Hz monitor?

A 240Hz monitor is worth it if you are a competitive esports player or plan to use it for several years. However, if you’re looking for a balance of performance and affordability, a 144Hz monitor provides excellent value.

Signal & Form

240Hz vs 144Hz Gaming Monitors: Should You Upgrade?