While not of huge concern for single-player games or casual multiplayer, high refresh rates are very important when it comes to competitive games. And even if a game supports unlocked refresh rates, you also need a monitor capable of outputting them. Though overkill for many, some PC users may want to look into 240Hz gaming monitors. While they can be pricey, they are currently the most affordable options in the high refresh rate arena–360Hz monitors exist, but they are a bit too expensive in general. Plus, the difference between the two isn’t as big as it might sound. If you’re a competitive gamer looking for an edge, we’ve rounded up the best 240Hz gaming monitors.
If 240Hz is too much for you, check out our roundups for the best 4K monitors and the best 144Hz gaming monitors. To learn more about screens and displays, see our complete guide to monitor technologies in 2021. It covers everything you need to know about buying a new gaming monitor, from G-Sync vs. FreeSync and dual monitors to panel types. We have plenty more explainers that cover aspects like HDMI vs. DisplayPort, HDR for monitors, and the nitty-gritty of refresh rates and response times. For console gamers, be sure to check out the best 4K TVs and best monitors for PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Our pick: Best 240Hz monitor
ViewSonic Elite XG270
The ViewSonic Elite XG270 gaming monitor has everything you want in a 240Hz monitor, and with an excellent design to boot. It boasts a 1080p resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, maximum 1ms response time, and G-Sync compatibility via FreeSync Premium. Its sleek, all-black design is backed up by a highly adjustable stand. The display can be adjusted by height, swiveled back and forth, tilted up and down, and pivoted to a 9:16 position. It comes with one DisplayPort 1.4 port, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and three USB 3.1 ports. The ViewSonic Elite XG270 also has a borderless IPS display that makes it ideal for dual-monitor setups and offers wide viewing angles.
Best 1080p 240Hz monitor
LG 27GN750-B
LG is no stranger to our monitor lists, and for good reason. The company makes excellent displays, and the LG 27GN750-B is one of the best 240Hz monitors you can buy. You get a 1080p, 240Hz monitor with a 27-inch IPS display and a maximum 1ms response time. It’s also G-Sync Compatible via FreeSync Premium. The LG 27GN750-B is a beastly monitor that has one DisplayPort port, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and two USB 3.0 ports–enough for your PC and two consoles if needed.
Best 1440p 240Hz monitor
Alienware AW2721D
1440p and 240Hz isn’t as common of a combination to find in a gaming monitor, but if your PC has the power to push that kind of resolution and frame rate, it’s worth investing in the higher-end Alienware AW2721D gaming monitor. Its 27-inch display boasts DisplayHDR 600, a maximum 1ms response time, and G-Sync Ultimate support, the latter of which will pair very nicely with an Nvidia graphics card. This monitor also has a slew of ports: one DisplayPort 1.4 port, two HDMI 2.0 ports, two downstream USB 3.2 ports, and two upstream USB 3.2 ports.
Best budget 240Hz monitor
Acer XF250Q
For only $270, the Acer XF250Q provides users with a 24-inch TN display that features a 1080p resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, and FreeSync Premium with G-Sync compatibility. That’s quite the combo for less than $300, and pairing it with its maximum 1ms response time makes it an excellent option if you’re a competitive gamer on a budget. One aspect in which it falters a bit is its port selection, though most will be totally fine with the one DisplayPort 1.2 port, one HDMI 2.0 port, and one HDMI 1.4 port.
Best 280Hz monitor
Asus TUF VG279QM
This Asus TUF gaming monitor has the fastest refresh rate on this list, boasting a maximum of 280Hz if overclocked. This is accompanied by FreeSync Premium with G-Sync compatibility, a maximum 1ms response time, and DisplayHDR 400. Its 27-inch IPS display also features a 1080p resolution, giving your GPU the power bandwidth to max out that 280Hz refresh rate. It includes one DisplayPort port and two HDMI 2.0 ports as well.
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