If you’re a serious gamer looking to upgrade from your current 1080p monitor, we’ve got some great news for you! A new 1440p monitor for gaming is one of the best investments that you can make to elevate your competitive gaming experience to the next level.
2160p ( aka 4k ) monitors might deliver amazing visual quality and resolution, but if your GPU isn’t up to the task, you’re going to have some serious performance issues. And while lower resolution 1080p models might have fantastic performance, this is going to cost you when it comes to visual quality.
That’s where 1440p WQHD monitors come in. These monitors offer a better resolution capable of showcasing the fantastic visuals of today’s most popular games. Plus, they support higher refresh rates and deliver optimum performance, making them the perfect middle ground for even the most hardcore PC gamers out there.
In this review feature, we’re going to show you the top 15 1440p monitors for gaming on the market in 2022. We’re also going to talk about the things you need to look for when you’re planning to buy one of these high-end gaming spec monitors. Read on for the full buying guide.
- The 15 Best 1440p 144hz+ Gaming Monitors
- Asus TUF VG27BQ WQHD G-Sync Gaming Monitor
- Alienware NEW Curved 34″ WQHD Ultrawide Gaming Monitor
- Dell S2417DG 1440p 144Hz Gaming Monitor
- MSI MAG272QR AMD Freesync Gaming Monitor
- BenQ EX2780Q 1440p 144Hz Gaming Monitor
- LG 27GL850-B 27″ Ultragear Gaming Monitor
- Razer RAPTOR 27″ Gaming Monitor
- AORUS FI27Q 27″ Frameless Gaming Monitor
- Samsung C27HG70 27″ AMD Freesync
- Acer Nitro XV272U Pbmiiprzx 144Hz Monitor
- Acer Predator X35 Ultrawide 1800R Curved Monitor
- ASUS ROG SWIFT PG279Q G-Sync 27″ IPS Monitor
- Acer Predator XB271HU bmiprz 27″ WQHD
- AOC AGON AG493UCX Gaming Monitor
- HP OMEN X 27” 240Hz 1ms G-Sync Gaming Monitor
- Best 1440p Gaming Monitor Buyer’s Guide
- Resolution
- Refresh Rate
- Screen Size
- Panel Type
- Response Time
- Input Lag
- Connections
- Adaptive Sync
- Wrapping Up
The 15 Best 1440p 144hz+ Gaming Monitors
| Award | Design | Monitors | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best 1440p Gaming Monitor with Impressive Specs and a Great Price |  | Check Price | |
| The Perfect Curved Ultrawide 1440p Gaming Monitor |  | Check Price | |
| Best 1440p 144hz Monitor on a Budget |  | Check Price | |
| A Well Rounded Contender as Best Freesync Monitor for Gaming |  | Check Price | |
| Cutting Edge Tech to Boost Your Graphics Card |  | Check Price | |
| Impressive Performance with Full HDR Support |  | Check Price | |
| Best 1440p 144hz Monitor with AMD FreeSync & Nvidia G-Sync Support |  | Check Price | |
| Best 1440p Gaming Monitor with AMD FreeSync & Nvidia G-Sync Support |  | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | ||
 | Check Price | ||
| Expensive but Exceptional Gaming Monitor |  | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | ||
| Perfect Monitors for Gaming with Friends |  | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | ||
 | Check Price |
Asus TUF VG27BQ WQHD G-Sync Gaming Monitor
Best 1440p Gaming Monitor with Impressive Specs and a Great Price
The TUF gaming monitor isn’t especially cheap, but it is especially fast. The response times here clock in at less than half a millisecond, making it a great choice for competitive gaming. The real question you need to ask yourself is whether or not that’s overkill for you.
This is accompanied by extreme low motion blur technology that further improves how smooth things look on-screen. This is a TN panel, so it’s not going to be the best looking monitor on the market, but Shadow Boost technology can provide you with a deeper contrast ratio than the display can traditionally reach
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Resolution | WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz |
| Response Time | 0.4 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | NVIDIA G-Sync |
| Connections | DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI |
Pros
- Uses ASUS Eye Care Technology
- Extreme low motion blur tech
- Shadow Boost tech improves contrast
- DisplayPort and HDMI support
Cons
- Speaker sound quality is a bit thin
- On-screen display is hard to navigate
Alienware NEW Curved 34″ WQHD Ultrawide Gaming Monitor
The Perfect Curved Ultrawide 1440p Gaming Monitor
Alienware isn’t messing around with their latest high-end gaming monitor. A big part of the asking price here obviously comes down to the size of this curved 1440p ultrawide monitor, with a 3440×1440 resolution, but it also has a few extra tricks up its sleeve. Its two-second response time is native and not just bulked up by artificial motion blur technology.
The performance here is pretty solid, but this is a monitor that’s about sumptuous visuals above all else. It can offer nearly full coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which is a pretty impressive reach even for a relatively high priced gaming monitor.
| Screen Size | 34 inch |
| Panel Type | Curved IPS |
| Resolution | QHD Ultra Wide (3440 x 1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Response Time | 2 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | NVIDIA G-Sync |
| Connections | DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4 |
Pros
- Large and immersive curved screen
- Some of the best color performance
- Sleek and industrial build design
- Works with NVIDIA G-Sync
Cons
- Refresh rate is slightly below average
- Not the best response time
Dell S2417DG 1440p 144Hz Gaming Monitor
Best 1440p 144hz Monitor on a Budget
The Dell S2417DG doesn’t have the best contrast ratio around, and that has a relatively large impact on color quality, but that’s beside the point. This is a 1440p monitor focused on performance, and it really excels in that regard. That 144Hz refresh rate is paired with very little input lag, and it’s also compatible with G-Sync technology.
Performance doesn’t have to come at the sacrifice of your comfort either. The tilt and pivot adjustments are highly variable, and this monitor can even swivel between landscape and portrait modes. As you might expect from a gaming monitor, there are a few preset modes to pick from
| Screen Size | 24 inch |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Resolution | WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | NVIDIA G-Sync |
| Connections | DisplayPort, HDMI |
Pros
- Supports NVIDIA G-Sync
- Great refresh rate and input lag
- Backed by three-year advanced exchange service
- Multiple preset gaming mods
- Best budget 1440p 144hz display
Cons
- Somewhat poor color quality
- Shallow depth of contrast
MSI MAG272QR AMD Freesync Gaming Monitor
A Well Rounded Contender as Best Freesync Monitor for Gaming
MSI’s Optix MAG272QR is a great looking monitor that hits all the important marks in terms of gaming specs, but it’s the built-in software that really makes it stand apart from the traditional 144Hz gaming monitor. The MSI Gaming App provides you with the ability to put together very complicated RGB coloring schemes.
You can also set your RGB lighting to automatically match the tempo of your favorite games, music, or movies. There’s even an ability to split your screen in half for increased productivity or juggling between multiple programs while gaming.
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Resolution | WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | AMD FreeSync |
| Connections | DisplayPort, HDMI |
Pros
- Great range of RGB customization
- Overclocked for increased refresh rate
- Great on-screen display menu
- Panel covered in anti-reflective coating
Cons
- Color calibration not great out of the box
- Relatively weak backlighting
BenQ EX2780Q 1440p 144Hz Gaming Monitor
Cutting Edge Tech to Boost Your Graphics Card
BenQ’s creativity with their proprietary technologies is especially worthy of note. Consider the EX2780Q. This IPS gaming monitor can hit respectable refresh rates of 144Hz, but it performs even better at delivering strong visuals. The exclusive HDRi tech that’s used here will automatically adjust the contrast to suit the light in your room thanks to an in-built smart sensor.
That means fewer reflections and fading colors even if stray sunlight spills all over your room. This is in addition to the already best-in-class color reproduction at work here. The EX2780Q promises 95% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut.
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Resolution | WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | AMD FreeSync |
| Connections | DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, USB-C |
Pros
- Great color accented by HDRi
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Supports USB-C connectivity
- Compatible with FreeSync technology
Cons
- Relatively high response time for gaming
- A bit of ghosting in high-intensity gaming
LG 27GL850-B 27″ Ultragear Gaming Monitor
Impressive Performance with Full HDR Support
The LG 27GL850-B isn’t exactly marketed as a gaming monitor, which gives it a special place on this list. If you need a gaming monitor that can also work capably for playing movies or working in your home office, this easily ranks among the best 1440p 144Hz monitors for a combination of gaming and general use.
The trick up this monitor’s sleeve is its full HDR support – and while it won’t match the scale that you’d find on the best 4K TVs, it will add some decent vibrancy to your gaming experience. Additional support is included for sphere lighting to facilitate the best gaming experience.
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Panel Type | Nano IPS |
| Resolution | WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | NVIDIA G-Sync |
| Connections | DisplayPort, HDMI |
Pros
- Ergonomic and adjustable design
- Really solid color reproduction
- Support for HDR 400 technology
- Support for Sphere Lighting 2.0
Cons
- Below average contrast ratio
- Slightly limited ergonomic adjustment
Razer RAPTOR 27″ Gaming Monitor
Best 1440p 144hz Monitor with AMD FreeSync & Nvidia G-Sync Support
The Razer Raptor is one of the less extravagant monitors on the market, but it’s still a Razer monitor. It has one of the coolest designs we’ve had the pleasure of reviewing and some serious RGB lighting backed by Razer’s best-in-class Chroma technology. It’s also solidly built and designed to take up as little space as possible.
An in-depth cable management system can keep the five flat cords that come in the box neatly organized, and the full aluminium chassis can take a serious beating. Its strong color quality is only improved by its full HDR support.
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Resolution | WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | NVIDIA G-Sync + AMD FreeSync |
| Connections | DisplayPort, HDMI |
Pros
- Meets FreeSync and G-Sync standards
- Razer Chroma capabilities built-in
- 95% DCI-P3 coverage and HDR support
- Solid cable management system
Cons
- Limited color adjustment in HDR
- No support for local dimming
AORUS FI27Q 27″ Frameless Gaming Monitor
Best 1440p Gaming Monitor with AMD FreeSync & Nvidia G-Sync Support
The bezel – or lack thereof – on the AORUS FI27Q creates the impression that you’re staring directly into another world. This is an IPS panel through and through. In other words, color reproduction is far more important than performance here. It can deliver 95% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum, which makes it look great even when viewed from wider angles.
The on-screen display here is important enough to earn its own name: OSD Sidekick. It’s easy enough for beginners to use but provides a whole wealth of customization options that are built specifically with the needs of monitor gaming in mind.
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Resolution | WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | NVIDIA G-Sync + AMD FreeSync |
| Connections | DisplayPort, HDMI |
Pros
- Customizable digital RGB lighting
- Support FreeSync Premium and G-Sync
- Overclocks beyond 144Hz refresh rate
- Comes with High Dynamic Range
Cons
- Puts off some noise static
- Standard settings may require adjustment
Samsung C27HG70 27″ AMD Freesync
The Samsung C27HG70 isn’t your average run-of-the-mill gaming monitor. It pairs its 1440p high resolution with a very good contrast ratio, a quality that’s often deficient even in the best gaming monitors. We hold the opinion that if you’re investing in a 1440p monitor, you might as well get the most out of that improved graphical fidelity.
That’s one of the things this gaming monitor does best, with its native full HDR support. Then there’s Quantum Dot technology – a proprietary color upgrade that can display over a billion distinct colors.
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Resolution | WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | AMD FreeSync |
| Connections | DisplayPort, HDMI |
Pros
- FreeSync 2 for AMD graphics cards
- Supports Quantum Dot technology
- Very wide color gamut coverage
- Sophisticated arena lighting customization
Cons
- Mild issues with backlight bleed
- Poor fidelity at wide viewing angles
Acer Nitro XV272U Pbmiiprzx 144Hz Monitor
The proprietary nature of graphics card manufacturers means that the best gaming monitor for you may depend significantly on the hardware packed into your computer. Therefore, it’s worth noting that the Acer Nitro supports AMD FreeSync making it a great option if you’re running an AMD Radeon graphics card.
There’s no dynamic contrast here, but there are a few advantages to counterbalance that. DisplayHDR 400 offers the next best thing to genuine HDR, and the an almost complete coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Resolution | WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | AMD FreeSync |
| Connections | 2x DisplayPort, HDMI |
Pros
- Works with AMD FreeSync
- 90% coverage of DCI-P3
- Plenty of connectivity ports
- Tons of specialized game modes
Cons
- Doesn’t support dynamic contrast
- Very high retail price
Acer Predator X35 Ultrawide 1800R Curved Monitor
Expensive but Exceptional Gaming Monitor
Two grand is a lot to ask for a monitor, but the Acer Predator is a whole lot of monitor. The 35-inch screen would be more than capable of pulling you into a gaming experience, but the curved format provides an even more immersive sense of play.
The 512 local dimming zones ensure some of the best contrast performance around, and the refresh rate can actually go significantly beyond 144Hz – making it well-suited for even the most serious of gamers. But the real star of the show is the quantum dot technology which provides exceptional color reproduction.
| Screen Size | 35 inch |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Resolution | QHD Ultra Wide (3440 x 1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 200Hz |
| Response Time | 2 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | NVIDIA G-Sync |
| Connections | DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0 |
Pros
- Immersive RGB lighting options
- Brightness of up to 1000 nits
- Eight pre-set gaming display modes
- Full coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut
Cons
- Very high asking price
- Mild ghosting at high performance
ASUS ROG SWIFT PG279Q G-Sync 27″ IPS Monitor
The ASUS ROG Swift is all about pushing the limits of what a gaming monitor can be. This is reflected in both the 165Hz refresh rate and the response time of fewer than four milliseconds, but the Republic of Gamers team has also made sure that all the key features are present.
Eye Care technology from ASUS is all about reducing the strain of blue lighting, and there’s also support for NVIDIA’s G-Sync technology. Surprisingly, the color quality is pretty strong here. It’s not going to match your needs if you want the best monitor for video and photo editing, but it’s certainly great for gaming.
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Resolution | WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz |
| Response Time | 4 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | NVIDIA G-Sync |
| Connections | DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4 |
Pros
- Fast motion with quick response
- Overclocked refresh rate
- Supports ASUS Eye Care tech
- Full sRGB gamut coverage
Cons
- Blacks aren’t as gray as they could be
- Narrow range of viewing angles
Acer Predator XB271HU bmiprz 27″ WQHD
Perfect Monitors for Gaming with Friends
While the Acer Predator XB271HU bmiprz may not be the easiest name to remember, it’s easy to understand the appeal of this monitor. Despite clearly being built with gamers in mind, this monitor sports some wide viewing angles that make it an obvious choice for more collaborative work environments where you might find yourself regularly sharing a screen with colleagues.
The ergonomics here are equally as well built – providing you with sturdy legs and a very wide range of movement. All of this is in service to a decently sized display with some of the best performance around despite using an IPS panel.
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Resolution | WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz |
| Response Time | 4 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | NVIDIA G-Sync |
| Connections | DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4 |
Pros
- High-quality ergonomics
- Strong performance for an IPS
- Looks great from wide angles
- Supports NVIDIA G-Sync tech
Cons
- Speaker sound is weak
- Relatively low response time
AOC AGON AG493UCX Gaming Monitor
AOC AGON creates a gaming experience that’s not that far off from virtual reality. The immersive screen stretches a full 49 inches and supports a wide curvature so you don’t have to sit half a room away just to get the best view of your gaming environment. In addition to being one of the best high-resolution gaming monitors, it’s also backed by some of the best assurance and support around.
This gaming monitor is backed by a limited four-year replacement warranty. There’s also a convenient USB-C dock that can provide power, video, and data transfer from a source device.
| Screen Size | 49 inch |
| Panel Type | Curved VA |
| Resolution | DQHD (5120 x 1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | AMD FreeSync |
| Connections | DisplayPort, HDMI |
Pros
- Incredibly large, curved screen
- Device docking with USB-C
- Stand is fully height adjustable
- Comes with KVM switch built-i
Cons
- Relatively high asking price
- Works with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
HP OMEN X 27” 240Hz 1ms G-Sync Gaming Monitor
Let’s turn our attention away from 144Hz monitors and toward a monitor that actually offers one of the best refresh rates around. At 240Hz, these G-Sync compatible monitors go well beyond the practical needs of nearly every gamer, and they manage to deliver that for around half the price of many of their contemporaneous gaming monitors. You’ll just want to be aware that it manages that by sacrificing the 1440p resolution in the process.
It’s one of the most ergonomic monitors gaming professionals could hope for. Ambient lighting helps to reduce strain on your eyes, and the tilt and height adjustment here is very sensible. It also has the added touch of sporting a hook for your gaming headset.
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Resolution | 240Hz |
| Refresh Rate | WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Adaptive-Sync | AMD FreeSync 2 HDR |
| Connections | DisplayPort, HDMI |
Pros
- Quality cable management system
- Works with AMD FreeSync 2 HDR
- Hook for headset built-in
- Best refresh rate around
Cons
- DCI-P3 coverage isn’t perfect
Best 1440p Gaming Monitor Buyer’s Guide
So let’s be honest. With a few very specialized exceptions, a 1440p 144Hz monitor is mostly tailored for the gaming community. That means that you can expect our best 1440p monitor list to be flooded with gaming monitors, even as we continue to swap out the old best with the new best. Just because you’re gaming doesn’t mean you need a 1440p 144Hz monitor, and likewise, if you aren’t gaming, the 1440p resolution could still prove useful for you.
With this in mind, we’re going to break down everything for you. We’ll evaluate what distinguishes a 1440p gaming monitor from all other resolutions and monitors and run you through the most common specs and features that you need to understand to get the best deal on 1440p 144Hz gaming monitors.
Resolution
If you’re reading this best of guide, we can hazard a guess that you’re looking for a 1440p monitor – but we should first get a good grip on what exactly 1440p is before you decide to spring extra money on a 1440p gaming monitor. In short, 1440p is like the forgotten middle sibling between Full HD and 4K.
All resolutions are measured in pixels. The 1440p format, for instance, is often translated as 2560 x 1440, which translates to 1,920 vertical megapixels and 1,440 horizontal megapixels. Breaking it down more precisely, it comes out to around four megapixels. All told, that places it at almost double the megapixel count of Full HD, and almost half the megapixel count of 4K.
There is a noticeable difference between these resolutions, but that will vary depending on how big your screen is. And while 4K can really change your TV viewing experience, it might not even be noticeable on a more modestly sized monitor when compared to 1440p.
Considering the minor price distinction between 1080p and 1440p monitors versus the very dramatic jump between the price of 1440p and 4K displays, it only makes sense to invest in 1440p monitors if you want the best performance for budgetary reasons. If budget is a major factor, we recommend looking at our top $200 gaming monitors.
Refresh Rate
When shopping for new gaming monitors, refresh rate and resolution should be your combined north star. The former helps you get the best gaming graphics possible from your graphics card, while the refresh rate helps you get the best gaming performance. A 1440p, 144Hz refresh rate monitor is obviously going to be the best option around, but you won’t be able to hit 1440p, 144Hz concurrently unless you have a graphics card that can keep pace. When shopping for the best 1440p monitor, you don’t want to scale your expectations beyond your PC’s hardware specs, unless you want to do a little future-proofing or you know a GPU upgrade is in your near future.
A 144Hz gaming monitor should be enough to satisfy most gamers. We generally consider a 60 Hz refresh rate for most non-gaming activities, but once you start to move into competitive gameplay, having a high refresh rate becomes critical. A higher refresh rate means that you can respond quickly to what’s happening on-screen. The step-up from 60Hz to 144Hz refresh rates is a pretty dramatic one as far as gaming is concerned.
You may have noticed that some of the best gaming monitor models we’ve evaluated promise a high refresh rate that goes beyond 144Hz. In many instances, this high refresh rate is a symptom of overclocking: a process that lets you go beyond the standards set by the manufacturer. This will get you the best gaming experience by providing you with a boost of about 10 to 20%.
A newer development is the high-resolution refresh rate of 240Hz. We suggest sticking to the best 1440p 144Hz monitor you can afford for now, because you’ll only rarely find a gaming monitor that supports 1440p and 240Hz concurrently, without paying excessively.
Screen Size
We talked earlier about how much of an impact screen size can have on the quality of your gaming experience and how a 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor can really benefit your gaming experience. But if your screen isn’t large enough, 1440p 144Hz gaming performance won’t even be noticeable. The best gaming experience on a TV is bound to be different from the best gaming experience on a monitor, because of how players sit in front of each display when gaming.
A monitor which is too big can actually be a liability. Boastful specs like 1440p, 144Hz, and 1ms response times won’t matter much if you can’t see the entirety of the monitor, and there are plenty of genres that necessitate full-screen awareness. A majority of the best gaming monitors are going to be 27 inches – which is the ideal size for both gaming and for 1440p resolution displays.
- You might be interested in getting yourself a good gaming desk
- Thinking of a dual-screen setup? See our best dual monitor stand reviews
- Be sure you’re comfortable with the right gaming chair for those long sessions!
That doesn’t mean that you can’t go larger. There are plenty of great curved gaming monitors too, and they’re one of the best choices for gaming because they give you more real estate without sacrificing the use of your peripherals or forcing you to sit halfway across the room.
Panel Type
There are three different types of display panel you can choose when considering the best 1440p 144Hz game monitor for you, but you should first note that there is objectively no single best panel type overall. Instead, each display panel comes with its own advantages – and disadvantages – which make them appropriate for different types of gaming.
- A Vertical Alignment (VA) panel does a great job of preventing light from passing through the filter. What this means in practice is that the darks are darker and the lights are lighter. The contrast ratio here is exceptional, but the graphics and performance can’t reach the scale of an IPS and TN panel respectively. A VA panel is the middle of the road choice for gaming in terms of key gaming features and pricing.
- An In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel is all about great color reproduction and graphical performance. Games simply look better on an IPS panel, and that makes them one of the most obvious choices for single-player gaming. And since they look great from wide viewing angles, they’re the best gaming monitor for local multiplayer.
- If you want the best gaming monitor for online multiplayer, the best choice would be TN panels. A TN panel emphasizes responsiveness, and the best models have no problem reaching concurrent 1440p 144Hz performance. Besides these immediate advantages of a TN panel, it also happens to be the cheapest panel type around. The one downside is that a TN panel is bad at practically everything else. Color reproduction, maximum brightness, and viewing angles are all weaker than those offered by an IPS or VA panel.
Response Time
Response time is the second major factor in determining a monitor’s performance. While a 1440p refresh rate tells you how many times a screen will reload, this metric indicates the time it takes for the monitor to change from gray to white and back again. Faster response times can help you see your opponent more quickly, making it critical for online gaming. It’s therefore going to be less important if you tend to prefer more slow-paced or single-player games.
For single-player gamers, times of 5 milliseconds will be more than adequate. But smaller numbers are always better for competitive gamers. 1 to 2 milliseconds should meet the needs of most gamers, but the best models can actually respond in a half millisecond.
Input Lag
Input lag isn’t always as clearly listed as other factors like response time or resolution. This tells you how much time it takes for the monitor to recognize the signal when you press a button on a keyboard, mouse, or controller. The most dedicated gamers may want to evaluate input lag, but it’s not going to be a serious issue for most gamers. And generally, input lag is proportional to the refresh rate and response time anyway.
Connections
As a rough rule of thumb, HDMI cables are best for console gaming, while DisplayPort cables are better for PC gaming. The former is simply a matter of convenience. Modern generation consoles only come with an HDMI port. But if you can manage it, comparable generations of DisplayPort technology actually perform better at all the important metrics.
Adaptive Sync
A refresh rate of 144Hz is often more than a game will need, which is what makes adaptive sync such a cool technology. It will create a variable refresh rate that changes along with the demands of the game you’re playing and creates smoother graphics and a more seamless experience as a result.
There are two major forms of adaptive sync: NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. What you need to keep in mind is that taking advantage of G-Sync usually requires a computer with an NVIDIA processor and a monitor that’s explicitly G-Sync compatible. Similarly, a compatible monitor and AMD processor is necessary to run FreeSync.
Wrapping Up
1440p, 144Hz gaming monitors aren’t the peak of refresh rates or resolution, but it does represent a benchmark that fits comfortably with what most gamers need. 4K is largely irrelevant, and 240Hz outpaces most games currently on the market. If you want top gaming performance without paying a fortune on both a new rig and a monitor, these models are probably going to be the way to go.
If you liked our article on 1440p monitors, please share and comment below what your favorite product is.
