A 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor can give you the edge you need to take your competitive gameplay to the next level. With four times the pixels of 720p and double the frame rate of 60Hz, 1440p 144Hz monitors provide incredibly sharp images and buttery smooth motion that allows you to react instantly in fast-paced games.
But with so many gaming monitors on the market, it can be tricky to decide which one is right for your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve researched the top 1440p 144Hz monitors to help you find the best one for competitive gaming.
How We Chose the Best 1440p 144Hz Gaming Monitors
In choosing the monitors on this list, we looked at a variety of factors important for competitive gameplay:
- Resolution and Refresh Rate – All monitors are QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution running at 144Hz refresh rate. This strikes the right balance between visual fidelity and performance.
- Panel Type – All monitors use a TN or IPS panel for fast response times. Many also support AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync.
- Response Time – All monitors have a response time of 5ms or less to prevent ghosting or motion blur.
- Low Input Lag – Monitors with low input lag ensure your actions register instantly on-screen.
- Ergonomic Design – Factors like adjustable stands and eye care technology reduce fatigue during long gaming sessions.
Based on these criteria, we’ve selected the top 14 monitors that will give you every advantage in competitive multiplayer and esports games.
The 14 Best 1440p 144Hz Gaming Monitors for Competitive Play
1. ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q – Best Overall
The ASUS PG279Q is our pick for the best overall 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor. This 27-inch IPS monitor delivers stunning picture quality paired with an extremely fast 165Hz refresh rate and Nvidia G-Sync for tear-free visuals.
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 165Hz (overclocked)
Response Time: 4ms
Variable Refresh Rate: Nvidia G-Sync
Pros
- Vibrant and accurate colors with IPS panel
- Extremely fast 165Hz refresh rate
- G-Sync eliminates screen tearing
- Fully adjustable ergonomic stand
- Excellent response time and low input lag
Cons
- Expensive
- IPS glow in dark scenes
With vivid colors, lightning-fast response times, and buttery smooth G-Sync visuals, the ASUS PG279Q is the top choice for competitive gamers who want the best possible visual experience.
2. ViewSonic Elite XG270QG – Best Budget 1440p 144Hz Monitor
The ViewSonic Elite XG270QG provides an impressive 1440p IPS panel and 144Hz refresh rate at a more affordable price point than other premium gaming monitors.
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Variable Refresh Rate: Nvidia G-Sync
Pros
- IPS color quality and viewing angles
- 144Hz refresh rate with G-Sync support
- Excellent response time for an IPS
- Fully adjustable stand with USB hub
- Great picture quality for the price
Cons
- Contrast could be better
- No 165Hz+ overclocking
For gamers who want G-Sync smoothness and IPS image quality without breaking the bank, the ViewSonic Elite XG270QG is a great choice for the money.
3. Acer Predator XB271HU bmiprz
The Acer Predator XB271HU bmiprz matches the ASUS PG279Q in nearly every way – 1440p resolution, IPS panel with vibrant colors, and a 165Hz refresh rate. The only difference is it uses DisplayPort instead of HDMI.
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Response Time: 4ms
Variable Refresh Rate: Nvidia G-Sync
Pros
- Bright and colorful image quality
- Extremely fast 165Hz refresh rate
- G-Sync eliminates stutter and tearing
- Height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustments
- Nice thin bezels with an aggressive gamer aesthetic
Cons
- Stand lacks side-to-side adjustment
- No speakers built-in
With performance nearly identical to the ASUS, the Acer Predator 27” monitor is an excellent high-end choice for gaming and media creation.
4. AOC Agon AG271QG
Another excellent 27-inch 1440p IPS gaming monitor, the AOC Agon AG271QG offers vibrant colors and sharpness with a 165Hz refresh rate and Nvidia G-Sync.
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Response Time: 4ms
Variable Refresh Rate: Nvidia G-Sync
Pros
- Bright and accurate IPS colors
- Smooth 165Hz refresh rate
- G-Sync eliminates tearing
- Fully ergonomic stand
- AOC’s Low Input Lag mode
Cons
- Mediocre contrast ratio
- No AMD FreeSync support
For Nvidia gamers wanting G-Sync coupled with extremely high refresh rates, the AOC AGON AG271QG is a strong contender for responsive, tear-free gaming.
5. Dell S2716DGR – Best 1440p 144Hz G-Sync Gaming Monitor
The Dell S2716DGR offers premium gaming performance with QHD resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and G-Sync supported by Dell’s excellent build quality and warranty.
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Variable Refresh Rate: Nvidia G-Sync
Pros
- Vibrant colors and deep blacks
- Very fast 144Hz refresh rate
- Nvidia G-Sync eliminates stuttering
- Fully adjustable ergonomic stand
- 3 year advance exchange warranty
Cons
- TN panel viewing angles aren’t as wide as IPS
- No speakers built-in
For a high-performance G-Sync monitor with Dell’s reputation for quality and support, the S2716DGR is a reliable choice.
6. ASUS VG27AQ – Best IPS Gaming Monitor Under $500
The ASUS VG27AQ provides fast IPS visuals with a 165Hz refresh rate and Adaptive Sync, along with features tailored for gaming.
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Variable Refresh Rate: AMD FreeSync
Pros
- Bright IPS panel with great colors
- Extremely fast 165Hz refresh rate
- AMD FreeSync support
- TUF Gaming features and software
- Excellent price for performance
Cons
- Contrast could be better
- No swivel adjustment
For gamers wanting high-speed IPS visuals with FreeSync variable refresh rate under $500, the ASUS VG27AQ is hard to beat.
7. LG 27GL850-B – Best 1440p 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
LG’s 27GL850-B offers vibrant 1440p visuals at 144Hz refresh rate on an IPS panel, along with AMD FreeSync for variable refresh rate support.
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Variable Refresh Rate: AMD FreeSync
Pros
- Gorgeous and accurate IPS image quality
- Fast 144Hz refresh rate
- FreeSync provides a smooth gaming experience
- Virtually borderless display
- Excellent price for performance
Cons
- Contrast ratio could be better
- No swivel adjustment
With stunning colors and motion clarity, the LG 27GL850-B is one of the best FreeSync gaming monitors available.
8. Viotek GFI27DBXA
The Viotek GFI27DBXA provides fast 240Hz gaming with G-Sync at an affordable price, though contrast suffers compared to IPS panels.
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Variable Refresh Rate: Nvidia G-Sync
Pros
- Blistering 240Hz refresh rate
- G-Sync compatible for variable refresh rate
- 1ms response time for sharp motion
- Affordable for high refresh rate
- Height adjustable stand
Cons
- TN panel has weaker contrast
- Stand lacks swivel or pivot
For esports gamers who prioritize lightning-fast refresh rates for the smoothest possible gameplay, the Viotek GFI27DBXA provides incredible 240Hz performance at a reasonable price.
9. BenQ Zowie XL2746S
Designed with esports professionals in mind, the BenQ Zowie XL2746S offers unmatched motion clarity and low input lag on its 240Hz panel.
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Variable Refresh Rate: None
Pros
- Incredibly fast 240Hz refresh rate
- Near-instantaneous 1ms response time
- Low input lag for real-time reactions
- Black eQualizer increases visibility
- Designed with esports gamers in mind
Cons
- No variable refresh rate
- TN panel has weaker contrast/viewing angles
- Expensive
For esports and competitive gamers who want the absolute smoothest motion clarity possible, the BenQ Zowie XL2746S is purpose-built for high-refresh rate gaming.
10. Samsung Odyssey G7 LC32G75TQSNXZA
Samsung’s Odyssey G7 Curved Gaming Monitor provides an immersive 1000R curvature paired with QHD resolution and 240Hz refresh rate.
Screen Size: 32 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Variable Refresh Rate: Nvidia G-Sync & AMD FreeSync
Pros
- Deep 1000R screen curvature
- Stunning QHD clarity and brightness
- Lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate
- G-Sync and FreeSync support
- Aggressively curved gamer aesthetic
Cons
- Expensive
- 32-inch size may be excessive for some
With an extremely curved display and superb 240Hz refresh rate, the Samsung Odyssey G7 provides an immersive high-speed gaming experience.
11. MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD
The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD couples vivid IPS visuals with a lightning-fast 165Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium Pro.
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Variable Refresh Rate: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- Beautiful IPS image quality
- Very fast 165Hz refresh rate
- FreeSync Premium Pro support
- RGB lighting effects
- Immersive 1800R screen curvature
Cons
- Mediocre contrast for an IPS panel
- Stand lacks swivel adjustment
With stunning color reproduction and FreeSync variable refresh rate, the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD is excellent for both gaming and creative work.
12. Razer Raptor 27
Razer’s Raptor 27 provides a premium high-performance monitor designed specifically with gaming in mind, including Chroma RGB lighting.
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Variable Refresh Rate: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- Vibrant color from IPS panel
- Very fast 165Hz refresh rate
- AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support
- Fully customizable Chroma RGB lighting
- Cable management system in stand
Cons
- No swivel adjustment
- Expensive
For Razer fans wanting a high-end gaming monitor with premium features and styling, the Raptor 27 delivers.
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13. Gigabyte AORUS FI27Q
The AORUS FI27Q provides a premium 27” IPS display with 165Hz refresh rate and FreeSync, along with extensive RGB accent lighting.
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Variable Refresh Rate: AMD FreeSync Premium
Pros
- IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- Fast 165Hz refresh rate
- FreeSync support up to 165Hz
- Tactical features for FPS gaming
- Striking RGB fusion light design
Cons
- Expensive
- Contrast could be better
With vivid colors and immersive accent lighting, the AORUS FI27Q is perfect for gamers who want a premium high-refresh display.
14. ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ monitor provides fast 165Hz performance for gaming with an IPS panel and FreeSync variable refresh rate support.
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Variable Refresh Rate: AMD FreeSync
Pros
- Bright IPS panel with excellent colors
- Very high 165Hz refresh rate
- AMD FreeSync supported
- Fully adjustable stand
- Durable construction
Cons
- No G-Sync support
- Contrast ratio could be better
For an affordable 165Hz IPS gaming monitor, the ASUS TUF VG27AQ delivers great performance and Adaptive Sync for smooth variable refresh rates.
How to Choose the Best 1440p 144Hz Monitor for Your Needs
With many excellent 1440p 144Hz monitors to choose from, here are some tips for picking the best model for your competitive gaming needs:
- AMD or Nvidia GPU? Get a monitor with FreeSync for AMD graphics cards and G-Sync for Nvidia cards to match what you have.
- Panel type: IPS panels offer the best colors and viewing angles while TN panels offer the fastest response times.
- Refresh rate: Higher is better (144Hz-240Hz). Aim for at least 144Hz minimum with esports gamers wanting 240Hz+.
- Response times: 1ms is ideal but anything up to 5ms is fine. Response times eliminate ghosting and blurring.
- Ergonomics: Fully adjustable stands promote good posture during long gaming sessions. Look for tilt, swivel, height and even pivot adjustments.
- Budget: Prices range widely for 1440p 144Hz monitors. Know how much you can spend for the features you want.
Choosing your ideal monitor depends on the types of games you play, which GPU brand you have, and your budget. Analyze the options to select the best 1440p 144Hz monitor tailored specifically for your competitive gaming needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit of a 1440p 144Hz monitor over 1080p or 4K?
1440p resolution (2560 x 1440) offers much sharper image quality than 1080p while requiring less GPU power than 4K. Meanwhile, 144Hz refresh rate provides noticeably smoother motion clarity compared to 60Hz. For competitive gamers, 1440p 144Hz hits the sweet spot between visual fidelity and high frame rates.
Do you need a powerful PC for 1440p 144Hz gaming?
To take full advantage of a 1440p 144Hz monitor, you’ll want a reasonably powerful graphics card, such as an RTX 3070 or Radeon RX 6800 or better. These can reliably output 100+ FPS at high settings in most games. Lower-end cards can still benefit from 1440p 144Hz though.
Is a 27” or 32” monitor better for 1440p 144Hz gaming?
For gaming, 27” is preferred at 1440p. This results in a sharp 109 pixel per inch (PPI) density, compared to the lower 93 PPI on a 32” monitor. 27” monitors are also easier for your eyes to scan without excessive head movement.
Should I get an IPS or a TN panel monitor for competitive gaming?
IPS panels have better colors and viewing angles while TN panels offer slightly faster response times. For most gamers, IPS is recommended for its overall image quality unless you play hyper-competitive esports requiring every last millisecond of response time.
Is a curved or flat screen monitor better for gaming?
This comes down to personal preference. Curved screens provide a more immersive, wrap-around feel. However, flat screens offer more even imagery and are better suited for competitive gaming requiring precise aiming. Ultrawide monitors benefit more from a curve than standard 16:9 monitors.
Conclusion
Investing in a top-quality 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor gives you an edge over the competition with incredibly fluid motion clarity and zero screen tearing or input lag. Models like the ASUS PG279Q, ViewSonic Elite XG270QG, and Acer Predator XB271HU offer premium high refresh rate gaming with IPS image quality. More affordable options like the LG 27GL850-B and ASUS VG27AQ
provide superb performance and adaptive sync support at lower prices. Hardcore esports gamers may want blazing-fast TN panels like the BenQ XL2746S or Samsung Odyssey G7 with 240Hz refresh rates.
Whatever your budget and particular needs, there are fantastic 1440p 144Hz monitors to match. Do your research, choose wisely based on the type of games you play, and any one of these monitors will provide the speed, smoothness, and responsive advantage you need to dominate the competition.
